Water pump problem, on my boat?

[TRDon]

Really? Again? This time seemingly minor, I have a leak on the plate where the gasket and the axcess to the impeller is. Really really minor leak, but it will bug me and with all the problems I have had with my RWP, I wont be able to stand it for fear of it taking down my boat again. I did a little research and my water pump is a part number 1012 from PCM (a sherwood based pump) Sherwood no longer makes this pump and it is being replaced by the 1014. I have a email in to sherwood to ask if this pump aleiviated the problems brought on by the previous 1012 that was riddled with the recalls for a no prime condition that my boat specifically had (03 SANTE). I am on my 3rd pump, with the brand new replacement lasting 2 months and about 20 or so hours. Even with a new impeller, it would not prime. It was brand new in the box last year. PCM replaced that one with a used one, I didnt really care, just as long as it worked, and it seems to have been good until now.

Granted my boat is an oddball with the 02-03 specific waterpump with the v belt. I just figured I would post this up hopefully help others who hopefully will never have to deal with it as bad as I have done to this point. I did find this new pump for a good price ad thought if I can get some confirmation from Sherwood on this new pump being better, I will just buy another one and put this issue to bed once and for all.

In the meantime, I have 2 new impellers and gaskets coming next week. The pump in there now did not have any RTV on the gasket. What do you guys normally do? I was thinking of setting a thin skin of black RTV on it just to seal it a bit better and make sure it wont leak. ANy thoughts?

Just to clarify, 2 of the 3 waterpumps I have had, had the machining for the rubber o-ring which I used with no problems. this one does not have that which is not rare since most websites that cary the impeller kit mention the need for a paper gasket. So the use of the rubber o-ring is out.

I will keep this updated in case anyone needs to search this, it will be here. I will post Sherwoods response as soon as I get it.

[shag]

Personally, I would be a thorn in their side until they provide you the updated pump. Obviously they know their was a problem with that pump. PCM has great customer service, I am surprised that you are having the hassle...
Good luck, and that is just my opinion.

[TRDon]

It took 6 weeks to get the replacement pump for the defective replacement pump after a bunch of tests they wanted me to run. I could not get them to call me back, I had to call them every day and nag after days of no response. I nearly never got my messages returned, not in a timely matter, but ever. I was doing the tests the same day I was asked to but it took days to get in touch and get my representive to answer to tell him the results, but rarely would call back. My customer service was less than stellar. Granted they didn't owe me anything considering how old the recall was, but I wish I didn't loose as much time as I did being drug out like it was.

That was the past and I don't really care about it anymore. If I find out the updated pump fixes all the problems the old pump had, I will be happy to shell out my money to put it in and never look back. I think in an ideal world, it should be covered because the replacement was known to be bad, but considering the past experience with PCM, I will go at it myself and save myself and whomever I would talk with a whole lot of hassle.

[TRDon]

Apparently the 1014 has a different bearing and shaft from a different supplier. That is the only difference from the 1012. I am debating buying one just to have the oring gasket again, I dont really want to mess with rtv anymore. Not sure if kt will be worth 300 just to get rid of the paper.gasket.

[Skidave]

I had the same problem with my 03 206 with the 330 and V-Belts. The original water pump was fine until I changed the impeller. Once I changed the impeller, I could never get it to seal again. I tried everything with no luck. I called PCM because is was under warranty; they replaced the whole pump at no charge. I called and asked directly for the service manager...I would not take anyone else. I changed the impeller last year on the new (replacement) pump with no issues. Note***the impeller kit for this pump comes with a gasket and an o-ring as I recall. One is not used...and I can't remember which.

If you still have issues and PCM is not responding, call Vince at Discount Inboard Marine.