This past weekend my family and I were out on the boat headed for a new harbor for a weekend getaway. About an hour into our trip, I noticed my water temp gauge was pinned to the right. (I check the water temp about every 15 minutes out of habit and the temp was at 165 the last time I checked.) The alarm didn't sound, though I'm not sure I trust the audible alarm. Luckily, I didn't see any steam around the engine so I hope I shut it down in time before any damage. Anyway, I quickly raised the sails. I determined the problem was that the engine wasn't discharging any water, though it was when we departed the slip; I always check.

First, I checked the strainer and it was clear. I then opened the seacock to ensure there was nothing trapped on the opening on the bottom of the boat. Water flowed freely from the opened strainer. I assumed the problem was with my impeller. I let the engine cool off a bit and dug out my tools. Once I finally got the the sea water pump dissasembled, I was surprised to discovered the impeller was intact. I also checked to make sure water was running freely to the in-line of the water pump, thus I concluded that there were no clogs between the strainer and the pump.

Running out of ideas, we headed back home and sailed all the way to the marina entrance and started the engine for only the last few minutes. (It's amazing how quickly the water temp increases when there's no sea water to cool the engine.)

The next day, today, I disassembled the water pump again to install a new impeller just in case there was a problem with the existing one. In doing this I noted that the shaft inside the raw water pump could be turned by hand. I was surprised by this as I know the pump is gear driven. I would very surprised if I was able to turn the engine with one hand. I installed the new impeller anyway and put everything back together and started the egine. Same problem, no water was pumping though the system. I shut it down again and will have a desiel mechanic take a look this week, though I suspect the pump is failing.

Full disclosure, my boat was partially submerged this spring and reparied. The engine was pickled. Once the reparis were completed, I delivered her from NJ to CT and the engine performed well. I have about 24 problem free hours on the engine since the submersion. I don't know if the submersion is responsible for this problem, and truthfully, I don't know exactly what the problem is. My thoughts are that the pump is designed to be in contact with sea water, so the submerision may not be the cause.

The boat is 11 years old and I have almost 600 hours on the engine. Has anyone else had their pump fail and how much does it typically cost to replace it? I have the M-35B engine.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

If anyone is also on the mailing list, I apologize if you read this twice as I also posted it there.

Greg

Inverness
Cat 36MKII TR WK
Westport, CT