bad water pump sealing causing problems?

[htuong95]

I recently replaced my impeller on my 1979 35hp Johnson. I didn't have the correct gasket for it so I used silicone (new gaskets on order). When I use the muffs to run the motor it pumped OK but not great. I just took the boat out today and the pump didn't want to work. I am guessing that the pressure of the garden hose forced the water up.

My question if there is a leak in the seal will it not work? I am sure there are couple of areas that didn't have silicone. The impeller is installed clockwise same direction as the flywheel.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: bad water pump sealing causing problems?

I think you will find that the gasket between the impeller housing and the lower plate sets the correct clearance for the impeller. You may as a result have trapped the impeller so that it cannot turn. If so you may have damaged the bore of the impeller.
If that has not happened but your silicone seal has leaked then the pump will be losing water there.