Yanmar Fresh Water Pump - Buy Original or Aftermarket?

[HandsOnTech]

The coolant (fresh water) pump on the Yanmar 4JH2-TE has reached its end of life. Coolant is dripping from the pump shaft and the belt wheel has considerable play. The pump part number is 129470-42003. I see a number of unbranded pumps under this part number on Amazon and EBay. They are about 30% of the price being quoted by Yanmar dealers.

I would appreciate your input on the wisdom of using one of these aftermarket pumps. Any removal/installation tips would also be appreciated.

[Emmalina]

So you can't find the bearing and the seal to repair it ?

[Lepke]

Most engine manufacturers don't make their engine accessories. Pumps, starters, alternators, and injector pumps are usually made by companies that specialize and put the OEM sticker on the product. Chances are the unbranded pumps are made in the same factory, different box.
You can also have the pump rebuilt. One place: Water Pump Man
Or you can rebuilt it if you have access to a bearing press. Bearings and seal can usually be found online or at a bearing supply. I rebuild mine.

[s/v Jedi]

Buy a rebuild kit, nit a new pump….

[Compass790]

+1 for rebuild but no experience with the aftermarket replacements for coolant pump on that engine.
It varies I find with aftermarket stuff, some at least as good as OEM, some junk. If its made in Taiwan, good chance its good, PRC you take your chances IME.

[Recy]

I have the same engine so just being curious how many hours has the engine.

[Kd9truck]

[QUOTE=Recy;3580606]I have the same engine so just being curious how many hours has the engine.[/QUOTE

I have a 4JH-5e basically the same, also very curious about how many hours your pump has lasted. The marina I summer at runs 2 launches all summer with the same motors and they do complete rebuilds at 10,000. Hours for reference.
Cheers

[Ken Z]

If you cant rebuild it I would buy yanmar on the assumption( terrible thought) that it may be a exact replacement and confidence with quality, have been let down with inferior products. “ save a nickel save a dime screw it up every time.” One of my mottos…. But it is a water pump….

[GoAway]

I bought 2 China-made non-Westerbeke fresh water pumps for my Westerbeke (Mitsubishi) engine and one began leaking at the shaft in less than 2 seasons and on the other the pulley was misaligned. Both indicated they were compatible with my Mitsubishi model. Bought a "Westerbeke" one and the difference in quality was as different as the price. Sometimes you just get what you pay for. If I had known, I might have gotten my original pump rebuilt.

[sinnerman]

On cars we used to say don't skimp on brakes, tires or steering. It could get you killed.

On diesels don't skimp on the cooling system..

My raw water pump just started dripping (Westerbeke). I am buying a new OEM one for $375. If I can rebuild the old one, I will keep it as a spare.

My two cents

cheers

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by Lepke

Most engine manufacturers don't make their engine accessories. Pumps.....

There are 4 manufacturers of pumps - Jabsco, Sherwood, Johnson, and Oberdorfer. It is likely either a Jabsco or Johnson.

Never buy an accessory from an engine manufacturer if they do not make it themselves.

[hugosalt]

If not comfortable with rebuild, check out Depco in Clearwater Florida 800 446 1656
(assuming you are US based).
I have bought a raw water pump from them on my Yanmar 3GM and then sent them my old pump to rebuild. Rebuild cost about $100. Pump looked bran new.
Dont know if your cost will differ much.
They rebuild in house and their business is pumps.
Talk to them, very helpful even if you decide to go in different direction.

They carry same pumps that are orig equipe on Yanmar for about half $,
mine was a Johnson pump.
Luck

[sailormed]

Originally Posted by Recy

I have the same engine so just being curious how many hours has the engine.

My 3JH4E waterpump started leaking (out of weeping hole) at around 1000 hrs, 3 or 4 years ago. I think that there is not a lot (if any at all) of difference between water pumps on the Yanmar models.

[GregW1309]

I replaced the fresh water pump on my Yanmar 4JH2-TE last summer. Tacoma Diesel (Tacoma, Washington) has the best price I found for a Yanmar pump. They are complex pumps. Not hard to replace though. Hours about 3500, maybe 30 years! You might want to replace some of the many attached hoses and thermostat too.

[sailingchiro]

What I did, since my genset and both engines use the same pump, I purchased a couple of used pumps and rebuilt them. Now I just swap them out with the fresh rebuilt pumps and take the used pumps home (I have better equipment, tools, and a press at home) rebuild them and have as spares on the boat.

I found the numbers for my parts (off the shelf and same manufacturer as OEM), then purchased quantity of 40 each on seals and bearings.

Where did I get the old pumps? I purchased an entire engine (same as mine) with old pump and the other pump I purchased at used marine store. Spent $100 on engine and $50 for used pump. I cleaned them up and make them pretty. I have found it easier to replace the entire pump rather than trying to change out impeller in rough seas. And if one pump is leaking, chances are the other one is ready to be changed as well. Oh, I purchased the impellers in bulk as well. They get rebuilt once a year leaking or not.

I like the comment one thing you don't skimp on is the coolant system. I would add to that the fuel system.