I have a Crosby 1/2 HP DC refrigerator/freezer on my boat, which normally runs
an hour or 2 a day. Shortly before I hauled out for the winter, I found the
system in dire straights. I'm not sure about the "cause and effect" but the
belt was very, very loose, it was making bad sounds, and I didn't think it was
pumping water. I tightened the belt, but it was then overheating, and I didn't
think the water pump was running.

At the time I thought maybe the pump had died from running continuously, perhaps
running dry, so I brought it home for dissection. I finally got around to
checking it out. Its a "March 809 BR" with the inline bronze head. When I run
it without the head, it spins and hums. When run with the head it make a
horrible, screeching noise. Is that simply because its running dry, or does it
need more help? Nothing looks obviously bad, but the shaft holding the vanes
seems to have uneven wear.

As long as I have it all apart, is there a better pump that I might use? This
is below the waterline, and needs help priming. Its possible that losing prime
was the trigger for my current problems. I do like the fact that this is quiet
and small, because it lives under the floorboards in my kid cabin.

Any comments appreciated,
Jeff