water pump base in alpha drive

[crazy charlie]

Hi guys,I have done many water pumps(impeller/housing) in my alpha drives but have never done the full kit with the base.I purchased the kit with base and see that it has a seal in the base.I have not pryed the base off my lower yet but should I assume that the seal the manual referrs to is the one that is part of the base of the pump ??? The manual states that it needs to be installed with a specific tool.This sounds like it is a different seal than I am looking at in the new base.The drives are 1988 alpha ones.I dont think the bases are going to be able to just pry off.Should I tap a thin screwdriver at the front and rear of the base.There is no room at all on the sides.All pointers are welcome.Charlie

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

There is just enough room for 2 screwdrivers on each side to pry up the old base gently .do not drive a blade in the base area because if you damage the sealing surface (about 3/16 of an inch wide)the lower unit is toast

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

thanks for the reply.Where about on the side of the base would you suggest to pry??I dont really know when the base was off last.At least 3 seasons.

 

[fireship1]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

The last time I changed mine on my 85 alpha 1 the center part of the lower pump housing broke off. It remained in the housing. Had to get a seal pick and very carefully extract it. If I remember correctly you will see the small slots on either side of the pump housing. Just use two small screwdrivers like Bt doc said. The housing might have to be rocked from side to side. It will pop out after you work on it for a little bit. If you loose the center like I did just carefully pick it loose. Don't be in a hurry!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

I guess I will have to clean the sides a bit,I dont see any slots.

 

[Don S]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

There are no slots, you can just barely get ahold of the base with a couple of screwdrivers. Look at page 3B-14 of the manual below.<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

Thanks Don.My manual did not show exactly where to pry.If it does not want to move ,I guess I can drill or dremmel slots in the base.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

Thanks Don.My manual did not show me exactly where to pry.I guess if the base does not want to come off I can drill or dremmel slots in it.

 

[Don S]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

Did you look at the link to the manual I gave you????? You don't need any slots.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

Yes I did.It showed the pry spots at the front and rear.I still need to get the screwdrivers between the bottom of the base and the lower unit itself..Right..?? Let me know if I am missing something here Don.I will take another look in the meanwhile.

 

[mikesearay270]

Re: water pump base in alpha drive

Don, you got this right. Even 6 years later, your advice was perfect. I was stumped trying to loosen my water pump base. Used the service manual technique on 3B-14 ( it did take me just a bit to find the exact page), separated the front by wedging a medium flat blade screwdriver right at the gasket and and very carefully worked the bottom housing up just bit. Alternately worked from the back to about the width of the screwdriver blade extremely carefully as one post told me the casting thickness isn't very great. I was nervous I'd fracture the casting working the back but did not. Back to the front for a few more twists of the screwdriver blade and the housing popped right up. I exhaled finally. Thanks a bunch.