Water pump/gaskets question???

[fishnhunt]

Can having bad water pump gaskets allow water in the lower unit? I had a small amout of water intrusion in my l/u, and when i dropped it I noticed that both the upper and lower water pump gaskets were blown in the corners, so i replaced them. Could this cause water intrusion? I have NO IDEA......Thanks

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Water pump/gaskets question???

You haven't said what motor, but generally no. The water pump is completely separate from the oil/gears, etc. in the LU. Water in the lower unit comes from a casting crack, one or more seals leaking (prop shaft, drive shaft, shift shaft and vent/drain plug gaskets).

The way you find the leak is to pressure and vacuum test the LU (drained of gear oil) and submerge under water. The bubbles will tell the whole story then.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Water pump/gaskets question???

It may vary from engine to engine. There should no problem with the water pump gaskets themselves but in some there is a top cover on the gearbox that forms the base of the water pump. It also carries the driveshaft seals. If the gasket between that and the gearcase is damaged it will allow water in. Obviously bad drive shaft seals wiil allow water in in all cases

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Water pump/gaskets question???

small amount could just be the drain and vent plug with out having the sealing washers on them. they should be replace every time the plug is removed.