Radman wrote:

Hello again all,

I have a question that I'm hoping someone can answer for me.

I needed a new water pump for my boat, it has an OMC 3.8L V6 (GM 229
3.8L V6)so I did some pricing and a new (BOAT)water pump was around
60.00-160.00 depending on were you bought it. So I went to my local
Autoparts store and brought the old water pump with me and after some
searching found one that looked the exact same, bolt holes,
inlets/outlet, everything the same... It was actually for an 1970 307
Gm motor, got it for 25.00 new... What I'm now wondering is will it
mater if it (waterpump) was designed for a boat or car, are there any
differences, is the rotation differnt???? Just want to make sure before
installing it and running the motor.. Thanks for any info you guys can
give me....

Radman............


It will fail sooner. The marine pump will have a bronze impeller, and
possibly bronze bushings/sleeves/seal & bearing retainers, and a chromed
or plated shaft. I have never really checked this... but the "weep
hole" may be sealed off or have a bronze plug too. You absolutely do
not want to pump water into your boat if(when) the shaft seal lets go -
remember, you have a raw water pump in the leg providing an unlimited
supply, under pressure.

Rob