install bravo water pump

[21270]

I have a 1993 merc 4.3L that im going to install a full fresh water system. I'am going to put a bravo water pump on my block, has anybody done this with the alpha drive and what did you do with youre alpha out drive water pump when you installed the bravo water pump on the block? I would like to get rid of the alpha pump so I don't have to worry about it again.

 

[tommays]

Re: install bravo water pump

putting a FWC system on 1993 motor is a can of worms all buy its self.<br /><br />what are you trying to achieve.?<br /><br />there is a good chance that old scale from the motor will clog the heat exchanger and how and if it can be cleaned out should be considered when the exchanger is chosen.<br /><br />the alpha pumps hold up very well and should run your FWC system with out a problem. <br /><br />i cant really say how it can be not used and what other problems that may cause.<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Fishermark]

Re: install bravo water pump

I have a raw water pump - thru hull pick up - on my 5.7 Mercruiser. I also have the alpha drive. There is a difference of opinion from the techs as to whether it is necessary or not. The official recommendation from Mercruiser to to keep your pump in the outdrive to help cool it. If you do a search, this has been covered in detail a few times.

 

[hondon]

Re: install bravo water pump

Why the Bravo pump when your sterndrive pump will do nicely and kits are readily available for a quick and easy upgrade.That Bravo pump is no more patient to a dry run and harder to flush ,and you still need to flush a freshwater cooling system.

 

[21270]

Re: install bravo water pump

I was also worried about the scale build up, I have 140hrs on it all fresh water some people say im safe. I was going to the bravo pump because it is so easy to change the impeller compared to the impeller in the alpha drive. I wasn't sure if taking it out was necessary or if it would do any harm.

 

[21270]

Re: install bravo water pump

Will the alpha drive pump bring in enough water for the full fresh water system?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: install bravo water pump

jgw<br /> yes the alpha pump will work. most the conversions I do like yours I run a hose from the outlet on the transom out the hull using a Bronze, never plastic through hull fitting with double SS clamps. this helps keep the drive cool.

 

[21270]

Re: install bravo water pump

Thank you very much for the information, all of you! is it tough to do the hull conversion yourself?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: install bravo water pump

Just drill an appropriate sized hole, (above the waterline ), seal it good to avoid rot, install a fitting, take the hose from the transom and attach it to the fitting. Voila! You're done! (It's the thru hull fitting for the water pick up for the new pump that is more "tricky" - but still not difficult.)

 

[21270]

Re: install bravo water pump

Fishermark, how would i do a thru hull water pick up? where does the bravo water pump get the water from, is it through the holes on the lower half of the drive like the alpha systems. can i just use the bravo pump and connect the original hose from the water pick up on the alpha drive?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: install bravo water pump

I suppose you could remove the impeller from the lower unit and just pull the water thru with the bravo pump... but I don't know for sure. I do know that it is recommended that you use an inch and a quarter fitting and hose for the intake instead of the small hose that the Alpha has. Or at least that's what was recommended for my pump.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: install bravo water pump

By the way, here is a good article on installing a through hull fitting - article

 

[21270]

Re: install bravo water pump

That makes sense, where do the bravo pumps pull the water from?

 

[21270]

Re: install bravo water pump

That article is great, thank you!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: install bravo water pump

The Bravo pulls the water through the leg - like a giant straw as I understand. But that's what they are designed to do. I don't know if the internal passages on an Alpha are the same. I just know for me it was easier to go ahead and install a thru hull pick up, seacock and strainer and be done with it - knowing that it is getting enough water.

 

[21270]

Re: install bravo water pump

Im going to have to do a thru hull pick up then, thanks again FISHERMARK.