I hope that you all dont mind a post from a performance boat neophyte...I looked on the forums on here and couldn't find anything so here goes...

I have an older Challenger 24 with a 454 mag ('89) and I am redoing the water pump on the front of the engine...it is leaking from the front and I assume that it is the bearing assembly (told this by friend) is shot. My question is, down in S. FLA there are some places that sell water pumps for like $110 or so and I assume that they are either rebuilt or aftermarket....any disadvantage to this? Also any tips on this before I screw something up is appreciated....I am used to car type hot-rodding (small block Ford) and this does not seem too difficult......any help would be appreciated....

The advantage is price. Disadvantage is reliability, however I've seen manufacturers water pumps fail early and "cheapo" water pumps last forever. My advice? Flush your engine regularly and put the extra $$$ in your pocket.

Changing the water pump ("circulating pump" on a marine motor) is straight forward.

D. Ocean
Pompano Beach, FLA

Me Too........

Aftermarket pumps like Sierra are ok, just make sure you get a marine pump
not a car pump.

WWW.mercruiserparts.com has the seals and bearings. You need a press to do the repair.
I use Bronze jabsco pumps on my motors. They are much superior to the Merc. cheapo variety and bolt right in. Apx $250 each and worth every cent. BBB

After a bunch of work this weekend, got the old pump off. I checked AutoZone and they stated that they could get a marine app. pump for $120 for the old 454. I'm gonna try it....thanks for all the help and happy boating. Also any ideas for getting the old pulley off...the bolts are frozen...oh well...

Make sure you get a true MARINE pump--the difference is stainless and bras in certain place where automotive pumps are made out of old beer cans--

Got burned once so I spek from chitty experience--

Poorsche

They did list as Mercruiser replacement. I am certain that it should be right....its alot more dough than a regular 454 pump.

Autozone peddles the pumps made by sierra that 38KV mentioned. You will be fine.

BT

good deal......thanks again...this is a great forum. Hopefully I will get this beast all dialed in within a couple weeks. I'm sure that I will have more questions for you guys, and if anyone is in the Vero Beach area I'd be happy to meet 'em for a drink.