This is an old notice concerning Universal engines in both the U25 & U35 classes.... actually the service notice came out about 9 years ago and information about it was posted on this website but..... a 2000 Catalina in our harbor just had this failure which requires (according to the tech working on it) to take the engine apart to repair. If the part had been replaced, its a relatively easy fix requiring removing the water pump.

Obviously this owner did not know about it and its hard to imagine that it took so long for this failure to occur but...since we have so many new owners of PO boats, I thought I'd pass it along again and if it helps somebody, great!

I've (tried) to attach a Pdf of the original service notice but the file is too big. It effects engines M25XPB, M25XPBC, M35B & M35BC for engines produced in January 2000 and older. The bottom line is there should be a reinforcing sleeve over the shaft driving the water pump. If its missing (and the problem was a large number of Universals were shipped without it) the shaft will eventually splinter from wobbling. If you have a concern aout this, the number to call is 508-823-7677 (I assume that number is still good for Westerbeke) and the service bulletin number is 235.

Hope this helps someone.