Have OMC beefed up their water pump kits?

[steviecops]

Hi<br />I recently bought a new waterpump kit, (among other spare parts), whilst on holiday in the states,(much cheaper ;o), for my 1980 Johnson 55. (J55EL80C)<br /><br />When I looked at it, the impeller seems to be much bigger and thicker than the one I have in my motor at present. When I pushed the impeller into the new cup, it was such a tight fit, that I couldn't even rotate it.<br /><br />Also, there are two wedges supplied to fit the impeller to the drive shaft, where as on my original water pump, there is just a pin which fits against the flat part of the shaft.<br /><br />Will this new water pump fit my engine, or have I got the wrong kit? The part number is 46-01873, and it says it replaces OMC part 432955.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br />Steve

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Have OMC beefed up their water pump kits?

A 1980 55hp takes the OEM #439077 water pump kit that sells for $66.79. The model number for a 1980 55hp is 55RLCSA.<br /><br />Double check your model number.<br /><br />You purchased an aftermarket water pump kit, not a factory Johnson/Evinrude kit.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Have OMC beefed up their water pump kits?

Thanks seahorse. Looks like I've been sold the wrong kit (<br /><br />I know the model number is confusing on my engine. 1980 and on should use the letter codes, but mine is definately J55EL80C, which is the same as the pre 1980 codes, but it says 80. ??????<br /><br />Can't imagine why, unless it was built in 1979 before the letter codes came out, but for some reason was stamped with 80 instead of 79.<br /><br />I've double checked the OEM part number on the website where I ordered the kit, and it says the OEM part number is 438591, which should fit a 55hp 1979-85. Strange, as on the box it says replaces OEM part number 432955. The aftermarket part number is 46-01873, which is listed on the website as part 1873.<br /><br />Perhaps i should have looked for a parts dealer instead of ordering by mail.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Have OMC beefed up their water pump kits?

Yours is a two cylinder engine and not a three cylinder, right?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Have OMC beefed up their water pump kits?

For what it's worth:<br />BLUEPOWER #46-01873 = AquaPower 1873 which replaces 432955. 432955 is used on 60, 65 (Comm), and 70hp 80's and early 90's engines.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Have OMC beefed up their water pump kits?

Yes seahorse, mines a 2 cylinder. <br /><br />I've done some more investigating and there are two different websites that sell the aftermarket part 46-01873 (1873), and they both give the same part Number for my 2 cylinder 55 as they do for the 3 cylinder 60, 65 and some 70's.<br /><br />Sort of ties in with what Paul Moir is saying. If one place listed the same part for the 2 cylinder as for the 3, I'd call it a printing error, but two different places?<br /><br />The thing is, will this kit be alright for my motor? Assuming that it fits that is. Just I'm a bit worried about how hard the impeller is to rotate in the cup. Would it place too much strain on my motor?, and would the wedges fit where the pin does at present?<br /><br />Sorry for all the questions, but I'm really confused now.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Have OMC beefed up their water pump kits?

The factory does list a different kit for the '76-78 55hp 2-cylinder, #389133. You might check on that to see if it is for your motor.<br /><br />The 60hp and up wp kit, 432955, is a heavy duty kit for the 3 cylinder motors and includes thermostat springs, water tell-tale fittings, and assorted other parts. It was not for smaller hp motors.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Have OMC beefed up their water pump kits?

I'll try to check it out late, but I would imagine that the kit they list for the 1979-85 would be the one for my engine. Just puzzled as to why they list the same kit for the 60-70 hp engines.<br /><br />Will it hurt my engine if I fit this heavy duty pump kit?<br /><br />Thanks <br />Steve