1963 Johnson 5.5 hp CD-20 waterpump question

[Buzzwindrip]

I am about to reassemble my CD-20, and am wondering if there is supposed to be a gasket or seal on the underside of the impeller wear plate. Any info appreciated.

 

[kbait]

Re: 1963 Johnson 5.5 hp CD-20 waterpump question

I've never seen one of those w/any gasket or anything underneath the waterpump base plate.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1963 Johnson 5.5 hp CD-20 waterpump question

I usually apply a light coat of sealer between the housing and the lower plate, for good measure, but under the plate, there is no need.

 

[Buzzwindrip]

Re: 1963 Johnson 5.5 hp CD-20 waterpump question

Thanks for the info. I picked up the motor as non-working from a guy that sold me his boat and trailer. He told me it didn't pump water, so I took it apart before I ever started it. The impeller I took out looked pretty good; it had a slight set, but was still very pliable. Now that I know there is no gasket under the wear plate, I am thinking the housing may be too worn to re-use. It has pitting, and looks like there is wear from the brass impeller hub. Unfortunately, it looks like an entire upgrade pump kit will be needed, as I can't find an OEM housing anywhere.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1963 Johnson 5.5 hp CD-20 waterpump question

Thanks for the info. I picked up the motor as non-working from a guy that sold me his boat and trailer. He told me it didn't pump water, so I took it apart before I ever started it. The impeller I took out looked pretty good; it had a slight set, but was still very pliable. Now that I know there is no gasket under the wear plate, I am thinking the housing may be too worn to re-use. It has pitting, and looks like there is wear from the brass impeller hub. Unfortunately, it looks like an entire upgrade pump kit will be needed, as I can't find an OEM housing anywhere.

The aluminum housings are no longer made. You have to buy a pump kit that upgrades it to newer models. It is made of plastic with stainless steel liners. Very different than the original, but just as good, even better.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1963 Johnson 5.5 hp CD-20 waterpump question

I'd put it back together and test it before buying a new pump. Maybe he just did not test it properly and did not have the LU low enough in the water. I'd want to verify it for myself before spending any $$$.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1963 Johnson 5.5 hp CD-20 waterpump question

Yep, do what sammo_ott has suggested and if it is in failure mode, do what F_R suggested. I just replaced the waterpump in a 1974 6hp with the kit that F_R mentioned here and it is a good replacement, because years down the road, it'll be more available than the older style set up. Like samo_ott here has suggest though, make sure it is really toast, before you scrap it. Maybe the last owner didn't test things right. These are great motors and pretty tough to put down.