Today I finished rebuilding a spare water pump I had…it was pretty easy except getting the retaining clips in. I broke down and bought a tool specifically for working with internal retaining clips…10$. Maybe this will be used one or two more times…maybe it will be the crucial tool in some deserted anchorage that helps me get my engine running again…maybe…more likely than not it will rust away in one of my toolboxes. I’m a sucker for tools. I figure that I am still ahead because I got the pump rebuild kit off of Ebay real cheap.
On our boat engine is a Westerbeke 58 hp engine that is in the boat backwards….the drive shaft comes off the engine towards the bow…goes thought a V-drive and then is redirected aft. This makes getting to the water pump a real pain in the ass. If you need to change the rubber impeller…it is easier to change the entire pump. Therefore, it is prudent on a 424 to have a spare pump ready to go.
The pump is a Sherwood R30G-1, Westerbeke part number 24102. A new pump would run $460 at Torrenson. Therefore, I would recommend the rebuild…easy except for the retaining clips.