Auto versus marine water pump?

T

thcuetara

Recruit
Joined
Jul 6, 2004
Messages
1
I have a 1998 4.3 liter volvo penta (V6) with sx cobra outdrive. The large water pump (to the right of the impeller pump) is leaking water. There is also a faint grinding sound, so I assume water has reached the bearings. I want to replace the pump. CAN I GET A CHEVY WATER PUMP FOR A 4.3 LITER AUTOMOBILE ENGINE, OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE A MARINE SPECIFIC PART? Thanks in advance.<br />Taro.
 
Blk-n-Blu

Blk-n-Blu

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 12, 2004
Messages
821
Re: Auto versus marine water pump?

Taro, In regard to the cooling systems, one of the major differences is found in the water-circulating pump. This is especially noticable when you have a raw water cooled engine. Unlike their automotive counterpart, a marine pump works in an open cooling system. This type of system is extremely corrosive to the pump. Therefore, the pump must be altered for longevity. A marine pump has a special ceramic seal, stainless steel backing plate, and a bronze impeller to resist corrosion. An automotive style pump, with its stamped steel impeller, would fail due to corrosion in a short time.<br />(from George Van Parys how to articles)
 
D

doman

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 29, 2004
Messages
120
Re: Auto versus marine water pump?

if you have a closed cooling i wouldnt worry about using auto water pump ...just make sure it looks exactly the same ..i used to have volvo penta 125 which does have a closed cooling but an auto water pump was slighly different and it didnt fit my heat exchanger ..<br /><br /><br />Dom
 
E

elpaso

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
264
Re: Auto versus marine water pump?

An auto "circulating" pump will work, if, you are in freshwater -<br />and not saltwater. Saltwater will eat up a auto pump in 3-4<br />months.<br /><br />But, you can buy a marine circulating pump, at - basicpower.com-<br />for $79. And have it in 2 days. For that price, why worry. It will<br />last for years.<br /><br /> A marine pump will also pump at any rotation. An auto pump only pumps running counter clockwise, as seen from rear of engine. <br /> <br />Yes - remove back and look -not knowing this has got a lot of people in overheat problems.
 
Scaaty

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: Auto versus marine water pump?

I replaced my pump (350 GM) with a new auto. Sprayed the inside back plate and impeller with Transducer paint. It will be in salt for about a total of 3 months. This is a mad scientist experiment and will post the results when the boat comes out of the water. Saving my pennies now for the Marine Christmas present to me pump.
 
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