Free: universal diesel water pump problem

[Capt Robert]

Sherwood pump on my Catalina 34 began dripping. I am sailing thru Bahamas and don't have access to mechanical help. I think the seal is going bad, but can't find anyone online who will sell anything but entire pump. Is this a safety issue? Is total failure of pump imminent? Please help, thanks

[Mambo]

what model universal engine / what pump?

[Steve Bean]

Would it be possible to non-destructively disassemble the pump and improvise a new seal or repair the worn one? This would be my approach; I'm an inveterate tinkerer. If you're not, or not willing to do this, maybe you could find a local "shade-tree mechanic" who could help. People who live far from the hardware store can develop impressive skills.

[mcm]

As long as it's not "flooding" don't lose too much sleep over it, also, the shaft may also be scored due to fine sand working on it over the years, order a rebuild kit complete and do it right. Not inexpensive either, Defender should have them and ship overnight...been there done that...

[a64pilot]

A leak on the shaft seal on a water pump is almost always a sign of impending failure. If you cannot get a pump you can run with the cooling system cap loose which will prevent the system from building pressure and will if not completely stop the leak, will reduce it greatly. But that's stop gap at best. Bearing failure is what will stop you in your tracks and usually a leaky seal means the bearing isn't long for this world.
Often on pumps the impeller is welded to the shaft, so disassembly means grinding off the weld, sourcing a new seal and bearing, assuming there is no damage to the shaft or pump housing, replacing shaft and bearing, re-welding the impeller, making absolutely it's square with no wobble !
Unless a pump were made from unobtanium, I wouldn't even try to re-build one.

[a64pilot]

OK, stupid me assumed this was the fresh water pump, but it's the raw water one isn't it? Disregard.

[Horror Hotel]

The raw pump could drip for 500 hours and still keep pumping, not likely to seize up.

[sy_gilana]

not all raw water pumps start leaking because of a failed seal. Sometimes its a calcium build up at the lip (unless its a mechanical seal)
Leave the pump assembled, rinse the shaft to seal area with dilute muriatic acid, or vinegar for about 15 minutes. Flush well, then squirt some oil into the seal/shaft area, now start the engine, and use a small cable tie and poke the end into the weep hole so you can wipe the area of the shaft where the seal is.

I have done this a few times and it works...

[mcm]

shaft seals do not like any form of acid..fix it once and be done with it. El cheapo fixes only bring heartache in the long term.

[sy_gilana]

Did you read the first post? clearly not.
When you are out here alone you do what you must to make things work. I gave the man a viable option, one I have used several times over the last 30 years, surviving far from civilization for months at a time.
What did you offer as help?

[Stu Jackson]

Depco Pump Company in FL. They should be able to get the seals to you. Our C34 website has a rebuild article on the Forum, but for an Oberdorfer. Your other choice is to swap the crappy Sherwood out for an Oberdorfer, straight swap. Mysteries of the Oberdorfer - Seal Replacement - REBUILDING A PUMP w/Flix

Good luck.

[mcm]

If sailing thro the Bahamas means you do not have access to "help" you should not be there,, there is all kinds of help available, hence the posting and replies on line, my help was "experience"

[Capt Robert]

Thanks for responding. It is a universal 35 diesel. Every time I start engine it gets worse, the sump is full of oily water every half hour. So I ordered a new pump and it's being flown here soon (?)