Do I Need to Paint My New Raw Water Pump?

[JaySlupesky]

I just replaced the raw water pump on my Westerbeke 44A Four engine. Right now the new pump is bare metal. Do I need to paint it? The rest of the engine, including the old pump, is painted red.

Any help appreciated.

[tdw]

Originally Posted by JaySlupesky

I just replaced the raw water pump on my Westerbeke 44A Four engine. Right now the new pump is bare metal. Do I need to paint it? The rest of the engine, including the old pump, is painted red.

Any help appreciated.

Bare metal anywhere on a boat ? I don't think so.

[TrueBlue]

Oh, the horror if that beautiful patina should clash with the red which already exists in your engine compartment's decor. I suppose some metals would develop an interesting hue, complimenting Westebeke red - but, this is a difficult question to answer without seeing the actual palette.

[SailorMitch]

Having replaced the raw water pump on the Westerbeke on my former boat, no, you don't need to paint it. It may discolor some eventually, but it will be sound. Do you paint your seacocks?

[Valiente]

I would paint it white or yellow, because if it's leaking or if the oil/water seal has failed, you'll see it on the surface even in low-light conditions.

I painted my Atomic 4 on the old boat in gloss white, and it's been far more pleasant to inspect the engine because of it. I don't know about your boat, but engine compartments tend toward the dim.

Please tell me: did you get the Sherwood F-85 pump? If so, where, and what did you pay? I am seriously considering swapping out the original pump when I overhaul my Westerbeke W-52 next winter, and putting in a new one, saving the "old-but-working" pump as a complete swap-in spare. I did this on my Atomic 4 with their little Oberdorfer pump bodies (don't ask how I came to own so many dissembled Atomic 4s...) and it saved my bacon once.

[JaySlupesky]

OK, I got a chuckle from some of the humorous replies. But seriously, I don't care about color schemes - I just am wondering if paint is important in protecting against corrosion. I'd rather not have to paint it.

Valiente - I put in the Westerbeke replacement pump (part #37431). It cost about $430.

Jay

[camaraderie]

Paint is not necessary at all. ...unless you like to paint.

[sailaway21]

It will no doubt die long before any benefits of a coat of paint will reveal themselves. The bolt heads used for mounting might benefit from a coating though-to remain fresh for future removal-although smearing some grease over them may be just as effective and easier to do.

Of course, if you plumbed it in using the Aeroquip stainless steel braided hose you should remove it and have the exterior chromed.

[Valiente]

Originally Posted by JaySlupesky

Valiente - I put in the Westerbeke replacement pump (part #37431). It cost about $430.

Jay

Yeah, that sounds like the Sherwood F-85's price. Thanks.