Capt. JG wrote:
"Geoff Schultz" wrote in message
.. .
Dave wrote in
:
On Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:02:42 -0800, "Capt. JG"
said:
I'm going to be hauling soon, and even though I have realitively easy
access to the raw water pump/impeller, I'm thinking of replacing the
cover with a Speedseal. It seems quite simple to do it, and then I'd
be able to deal with a problem without fumbling for a tool. The
impeller is due to get changed anyway, so while I'm there... for
reference, http://www.speedseal.com/speedseal.html.
Has someone used this product? What do you think?
Looks to me like a solution in search of a problem. How many times
have you had to change an impeller under circumstances where you
couldn't do it hove to or anchored?
Clearly you haven't tried to help get a boat off of the beach.
-- Geoff
www.GeoffSchultz.org
My main concern is that if I have to do it quickly, I would be hard pressed
to remove the cover easily...
I've considered getting one for my Yanmar 1GM10 even though its only a
three bolt cover. I like the idea of no longer having to keep supplies
of a thin paper OEM water pump gasket, that no matter how careful you
are, if compressed well enough to seal, tears when you remove the cover
3 times out of 4, and if you *don't* rip it, weeps if re-used unless you
get *ugly* with the gasket dressing.
However the no tools argument is IMHO spurious for most of us as our
minimal toolbox of the OEM's engine tools + a few carefully chosen
extras is stowed somewhere easily accessible (and if we are half way
competent a good kit of tools and spares stowed elsewhere) and one
usually needs tools to remove the impeller from the chamber. Once
you've removed it you are expecting to need the new impeller as well.
I'd also want a spare O ring handy. I hope its a standard size not a
'special' or most of the attraction goes away.
OTOH if your is a six bolt or worse coverplate, or you are working blind
reaching round the engine, I can see the attraction of *NOT* needing
tools unless you've over tightened the bolts. If they are soft brass
slotted screws, you'll also be glad to deep six them.
I'm not so sure that it would work for me with the knurled screws as one
is behind the pulley on the crankshaft and a 7mm ring spanner is really
the only tool that works. I just wouldn't be able to get a grip on that
one to snug it up, let alone a screwdriver onto it to loosen it, but I
see no reason I couldn't have just the plate with a set of hex headed
bolts, and get an extra 7mm spanner to keep with the spare impeller,
cover bolts and O ring. Might as well put the old cover, cleaned up and
with a good gasket stuck to it with a light dressing of Hylomar, and its
bolts in that pump spares pack as well. You *know* that if you are
rushed there's a greater chance you'll drop the whole dammed thing down
the bilge.
I can see other benefits as one can check the impeller more often,
catching failures before they happen and maybe remove it when laid up
so it doesn't take a set so letting you get more life out of it without
worrying without using so many gaskets your local manufactures agent
starts greeting you by name and asking after your family. :-) J.G, If
you are teaching, I would think it would see a lot of use if you
encourage your students to learn basic engine maintenance. Do show them
the old cover and screws though, we wouldn't want them to think it came
as standard!
Its on my 'nice to find in my Christmas stocking' list (hint hint, crew)
but I've got a lot of other things I'd treat my engine to first. A new
starter motor would be nice. The water pump chamber has excessive wear
so a new pump is in the offing. A new HP fuel line as the old one is
over 20 years old and I'd then have the old one for a spare. New single
lever control and a new throttle cable. Finally the biggie, rebuild the
gearbox due to excessive wear and runout on the shifter groove of the
shuttling double cone in the clutch assembly - Its significantly out of
spec even though it still shifts easily and stays in gear reliably.