What is the impact of missing the water pump face seal?

[igotdoo]

So - I have 2002 SeaRay 182BR

Mercruiser V6, with an Alpha One Gen II outdrive.

150 hours on it all.

It runs a little on the warm side, and I recently bought it, so I decided to proactively replace the impeller.

I took it apart today, and picked up the impeller kit.

The kit comes with gaskets, o-rings, impeller, and base wear plate.

The kit came with a "face seal" and a seal install tool (basically a small plastic cup) This seal is known as a "slinger seal" in some descriptions.

When I removed my lower unit.... I noticed mine did not have one. Thats odd?

What does this seal actually do? What are the implications of not having one?


Additionally - I dont think I will replace the base wear plate. The gen2 has a stainless waterpump housing and a stainless wear plate - and they both look fine. I am thinking I could do more damage breaking the seal that is already there.


Thoughts?

 

[boatguya1]

Re: What is the impact of missing the water pump face seal?

That seal helps keep exhaust gas out. Turn the hsg so you can look inside near the hole where the shaft goes through. If there is even the slightest groove around the hole it should be replaced.

James

 

[igotdoo]

Re: What is the impact of missing the water pump face seal?

hsg? is that short for housing?

I have it all apart and cleaned up and ready for re-assembly.... what part should I inspect to see if it needs replaced?

 

[boatguya1]

Re: What is the impact of missing the water pump face seal?

Yes housing, the inside of the water pump housing near the hole where the shaft goes through. Look for a circular groove, it should be flat and smooth. Also replace the wear plate, you have it apart this far, put the new parts in.

James