Water Pump Grease

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LeslieTroyer's picture
LeslieTroyer
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Water Pump Grease

What type of grease is used in the grease cup on the water pump??  It looks like regular white lithium but need to fill it and want to use the right stuff.  I've been giving it 1/2 turn after checking the oil before starting (too much too little??)

Thanks

Les

Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo 
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor. 

Commodore

 

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Haro
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I read your post multiple times - but I still can not understand what you are referring to. Can you upload an image and describe a gain?

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LeslieTroyer
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Haro Thanks for reply.  I'll try and get a picture next time I'm on the boat.  The older (very) raw water pumps (Don't know if Sherwood or Oberdorfer) have a 30's style grease cup to lubricate the wet side of the waterpump shaft.  Newer seals have eliminated the need in newer pumps.  Reading on SailNet - I've seen one recommendation for 1/2 turn of the grease cup every 30 hrs (seems infrequent to me), there are also a few reports of water dripping from the cups, causing them to rust out and fail.  I still haven't seen any recommendation on type or brand of grease.

Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo 
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor. 

Commodore

 

kakers
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Posts: 43

Les,
Sounds like you have an older Oberdorfer.  Use a general purpose grease which is suitable for marine uses such as boat trailer wheel bearings.  Most people recommend a half turn every 10 hours or so.

 

Ken Akers
1995 C-36 MkII #1378  SR/FK  M35A
San Francisco Bay

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LeslieTroyer
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Thanks Ken
and here is a jpg of what is being discussed - the grease cap is in the bottom center of the photo.

Les

Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo 
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor. 

Commodore

 

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GaryB
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Posts: 577

Lubriplate 115 I believe is what you want.
https://www.lubriplate.com/Online-Store/Automotive-Products/115-Water-Pu...

I had a Catalina 30 1984 and that is what I used as it lubricates but does not melt. I still have the old can onboard and will try to remember to confirm that today when I get to the boatyard

Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine

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Haro
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Interesting design.Bearing grease is what I would use. It does not wash away in water. I would think Lana-cote may be another idea. It is available at WM for $14.00. I have used it on stuffing box with great success.

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Alain Croteau
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Posts: 40

You may be interested in a "remote water pump lube kit" that Moyer Marine sells for $50 for the older oberdorfer pumps.  Comes with small grease gun filled with appropriate lube.  www.moyermarine.com under "kits and accessories".

Alain Croteau
"Veritas"
C36 #1226 SR/wk
Yanmar 3JH2
Kingston, Ontario

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