Is my water circulating pump dying??
 

I was just out on the lake today. I stopped to check my ignition timing and noticed that when I reved the engine up (2500-3000rpm) in neutral, a drop of water came out of the bottom of the circulating pump about every 2-3 seconds. I read somewhere else that there is a weephole down there, but I don't know anything about it.

Is this a problem? Is my circulating pump giving out?

Thanks for your help,

If it is leaking out of the weep hole then yes the shaft seal is leaking and the bearings will fail before long. You might check the back plate on the water pump they have been known to leak also. If you pull the pump you will probably be able to see the water trail from leak point. Either way you need to fix the problem soon before it causes major problems.

So, do I need to replace the entire pump, or just a seal or gasket or what?

Ric depends if it is the pack plate gasket it is an easy fix for most of us. If it is the weep hole go buy a new one. To change that seal you need a press and more smarts thatn it is worth. Charlie

If the back plate is leaking you could make a gasket and replace it. I do not know of a seal and bearing kit if the shaft seal on the water pump is leaking. I would just replace the entire pump myself. If you are not running a water pressure gauge you might think about hooking one up at least temporary so you can check what your water pressure is. High water pressure can cause not only hose trouble but water pump leaks and premajure (spell?) water pump seal wear and leakage. I don't know how many hrs are on the pump.

Also don't buy an automotive pump,it won't last,and crack the pulley bolts loose before you losen the belt tension.

For those of you that are handy --- What I did was go down to NAPA and buy an automotive pump and drove the new bearing assembly out of it and into the marine housing. Took about an hour and I think it cost me $50 . Make sure to use the marine impeller

"For those of you that are handy --- What I did was go down to NAPA and buy an automotive pump and drove the new bearing assembly out of it and into the marine housing. Took about an hour and I think it cost me $50 ."

I guess it depends what that hour is worth to you. I can go through my receipts, but I think the last marine one I bought was not much more than that.

The pump is 4 1/2 years old w/ 160 hours. Is that considered "premature failure"???

The last time I priced a MARINE engine water pump I thought it was like $300.