Car water pump and salt water?

[doman]

Just wondering how long will the car water pump last in the salt water ...i know there is a difference in marine water pumps the impeler is made out of brass i think instead of aluminium like on cars but alse there a big difference in price ...i picked up car water pump for 3.0 mercruiser 140 for $20 instead of spending almost a 100 on a marine one ...but will it last and how long? <br /><br />Any input is really apreciated<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Dom

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

It won't last,Probably around six months.How will you know when the impeller on the auto pump is gone?When the engine starts overheating and burns up Thats when. Why would you want to risk your 3000 dollar engine to save $80.JMO I'm sure others will chime in with a resounding"stick with marine parts"

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

hello<br /> me I would use all car parts. that way when it quits I could walk home.<br /> save all the money and buy beer. at least while its broke on the trailer you will save fuel and parts. I cannot believe you would even post an idea like that.<br /> it will last until the impellor suddenly falls off the pump shaft and toasts a motor. but with all the money saved on car parts thats chump change.<br /> I am not as nice as outboardguy tonight.<br /> I just finnished a long battle with a customer today over why it cost him so much to fix all his buddies car crap.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[airman]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

There aren't many marine engine parts that can safely be replaced with car parts on a marine engine. On the bright side, they're still cheaper than airplane parts! You will regret the choice if you get cheap there.

 

[doman]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

reason i asked is im thinking about putting a closed cooling system but it will not happen for another 2-3 months and was just wondering if it will last till i put it on.. only few weekends on the water...should have mentioned it before ...<br /><br />thanks again<br /><br />Dom

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

Im not actually going to tell you to do it, but I bet it will last longer than you think, especially if you flush your engine everytime after you take it out really good! It surely would last all season, I like the comment about walking home though!

 

[fireship1]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

Hello, Not only will it rot but the seal and bearing WILL NOT last with the high RPM conditions that marine engines endure. Like the other guys here wonder, "why would you even want to risk it?" The money saved isn't worth the damage you might cause. Just my .02 cents worth!

 

[imported_Nathan_]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

SO how long do you think it would last in only fresh water ? ( Just wondering while were on the topic ) <br /><br />Nathan<br />Austin Tx ..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

This is just My spin on it.........<br />In the Salt, I'd give it 1 to 3 months.......<br />In Freshwater, a season, maybe 2.......<br />I'll Also Wager, It Won't be at the dock When it Sh!ts............ <br /><br />It's a Fools Economy.....

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

I'm gonna tell you right now it won't work. From experience, too! When i was young, i had an I6 250 that the pump went up on. I stuck a pump on from Pep Boys and it only lasted a couple months until there was nothing left of the galvinized impeller that it had. It overheated and that was that, had to get towed home. I was a stupid teenager at the time and learned the value in marine parts...

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

The only way to truely learn a lesson is to give it a try.You now know what the risk is .I say go for it !!!!!Let us know when you overheat---I mean let us know how you make out and if you leared anything from trying it.Charlie

 

[charleswmoore]

Re: Car water pump and salt water?

Been there done that don't work.To combat the steel backing plate problem I reused the backing plate off a marine and still had front seal issues. I cannot back this up with facts but i think the impeller is diferent material / size / blade count. Also the spring that raps the shaft seal also rusted off that allowed seawater to seep into the bearing. To complicate the problem, then the spray when it let go got sucked into the alternator and rusted it out from the inside.