Leaky Raw-Water Pump Perkins 18HP - Catalina 270

Trescool · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Perkins 18HP diesel on a Catalina 270 (1994) - 141 hours on engine

I noticed it was dripping and filled the pan under it. Drips only a little but builds up into a large puddle quickly. (??Note: I'm assuming leaking water from the engine area does NOT drain into bilge.. I couldn't find any connection between the two.)

I have read about the engine and it looks like it is not too hard to install a new pump. Would this be the suggested route to take or should I look for a specific cause like a leaky seal or gasket??

Thanks!
Jim

capttb · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

There are 2 small "weep" holes in the front section of the area under the motor that allow water to drain forward to the bilge. They get plugged and can be cleaned with a piece of wire or similar tool. The raw water pump (little brass one with a front plate held on by about 10 nuts) has an "O" ring that comes with a new impellor to seal that plate.

Boasun · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

May just need new gaskets, hose clamps, shaft seal and/or other connections.
So take it apart and reassemble with new gaskets, insuring that you use cross tightening on the screws. Also that all of the hoses (hose clamps) are properly fitted to the pump and any other connection is properly tightened.
solved many a leak on an engine by doing the above.
As you work on the pump you can inspect the body of the pump for any cracks and may need to replace the seal also.
There should be an after market rebuild kit for the pump that is easy to acquire to do the job.

Rockter · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

A new pump will not be too expensive there Trescool, particularily a pump for a Perkins.

Be careful the raw water does not leak into the oil sump. I have been there with a Volvo MD17c. It needed a new pump.

sailhog · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

I tried to fix my pump with new seals, a new gasket, new this, new that. Still leaked, and the leak got worse. Yesterday I ordered a new pump with sealed bearings.

Trescool · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Oh, and SailHog, where did you order your parts from? Anyone else have a good supplier for this pump and supplies?

I was looking at Trans Atlantic Diesels
www.tadiesels.com.

camaraderie · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

TA Diesels is wonderful. They will take good care of you!

sailhog · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Jim,
My engine is an A-4, which is gasoline, not a diesel. Follow Cam's lead on that one. Others may disagree, but my experience has got me thinking it's better to just replace the thing if it's got any age to it. I put $100 worth of replacement parts in it and lots of time, when a brand new pump costs $200. If you don't fix it, you've got a host of corrosion issues to think about. Good luck.

Trescool · #9 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007

Since its Labor Day weekend, I was still hoping to use my boat and since I have a slight leak at the water pump, would it be stupid to even try to use the engine? Or do you think I'm safe as long as I keep and eye on the temperature and the water output out the back of the boat?

- Jim

sailhog · #10 (**permalink**) 09-01-2007

Jim,
I stuck a square of paper towel in the little space under the weep hole where it was leaking to mitigate the problem of getting saltwater all over the engine. The water would come out, get absorbed by the towel, and then the heat of the engine would dry it out before it had a chance to drip. Whatever you do, don't give up a precious holiday weekend of sailing... What were you thinking?!