westerbeke 21A raw water pump

[gonesail]

this engine is in a CD30 MKII but the question may be relevant with other models as well. I am looking at the front of the 21A and believe that the raw water pump is tucked behind the front of the engine off to the right side. if this is true then how do you guys change or check the impeller with the pump cover not even being visible

[Bill Goldsmith]

Welcome to the CD Board.

I have the same engine on my CD32. The raw water pump is indeed on the right side facing aft, at the bottom just above the engine mount. The cover plate also faces aft toward the engine, presenting challenges.

It is not an easy job replacing the impeller. When they were still in business I bought a SpeedSeal replacement cover that uses large knurled thumb screws to tighten the cover. That only addressed the issue of getting the cover off, though. Getting the original equipment screws off requires a right angle screwdriver. The second issue is getting the impeller out of the pump when the cover faces aft and there is barely enough room to get any tool in there, and you're working blind.

Not one to just heap on criticism without offering a solution, here is what I do now. I disconnect the hoses from the pump and remove the pump from the engine. There are four nuts that fasten the pump to the engine. Getting the nuts off does present some challenges as well since the clearances are tight, but investing in a 1/4 in ratchet, the correct socket (I forget which size right now) and some different length extensions will help get the job done. Don't lose them in the bilge. Once you get the pump off the engine you can put it on a bench and easily replace the impeller. Then reinstall the pump.

This method is a lot more work than if there were an easy way to get the impeller out and replaced, but that latter has eluded me. Doing it with the pump off is less stressful, fewer four letter words are spewed, and I get to examine the condition of the pump more closely anyhow.

[Sea Hunt Video]

I did not know Speedseal closed. Website says "due to continued illness" Very sad.

I installed a Speedseal on my Yanmar 1GM. It is an outstanding product. Very, very easy to work with, even for a klutz like me

They were an excellent company. I think based in UK. Excellent customer service.

[gonesail]

Welcome to the CD Board.

Not one to just heap on criticism without offering a solution, here is what I do now. I disconnect the hoses from the pump and remove the pump from the engine. There are four nuts that fasten the pump to the engine. Getting the nuts off does present some challenges as well since the clearances are tight, but investing in a 1/4 in ratchet, the correct socket (I forget which size right now) and some different length extensions will help get the job done. Don't lose them in the bilge. Once you get the pump off the engine you can put it on a bench and easily replace the impeller. Then reinstall the pump.

Thanks. That is what I used to do with my yanmar 3GM. Remove the whole pump so I could turn it around .. this one seems a bit more devious. I will try your method and hope for the best.