| Enginetype: Inboardgas > motormodel: Crusader 350
Chevy
> Serialnumber: circa. 1984
> Configured: twins
> boatmodel: Carver Mariner
> Boatlocation: Chesapeake Bay (salt
water)
> typeofneed: (Other)
> Need_Other: Preventative maintenance
> TechQuestion: The original water
circulating pumps are 20 years old and I want to replace them as a preventative measure.
Do I have to use a " marine" replacement or can I safely use a good automotive
pump ? (like an AC DELCO )
Our answer:
The marine circulator pump is slightly different
than an automotive version. Even though it would work, the automotive model may not last
very long. In a closed cooling system, which utilizes green antifreeze, the automotive
version will work fine. On an engine that uses sea water for cooling the engine block, a
marine version is necessary.
 
Automotive
----------------------- Marine
Automotive: spray painted
housing, steel impeller and back plate.
Marine: Powder coated housing,
stainless back plate, and brass impeller.
Then there's the issue of counter-rotation, if you have
counter-rotation engines. Some automotive pumps do not run in either direction.
As a possible cost saving idea... remove the pump and the
rear cover for the pump and inspect the impeller. If it is in good condition, the bearing
turns freely without noise, and the pump doesn't leak at the weep hole on the front... put
a new gasket on the rear cover and re-install it.
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