Refilling raw water circulation pump..

[scadding]

I have just replaced the raw water circulation impellor on my Mercruiser Diesel. Is it possible to refill the pump chamber before starting the engine so as not to be reliant on the feed from the outdrive muffler at start up? I'm keen not to wreck the impellor if there is a delay in water arriving at the pump. When I removed the cover I guess about 4 or 5 litres drained out.

 

[hlb]

Stick a bit of vasaline or even fairy liquid in, if your worried.

 

[Mr Googler]

If your strainer is after the impeller, pour water into the strainer and squeeze the pipes that go to the impeller and to the heat exchanger until you cant get any more water into the strainer.

Im told its not the water being drawn in that is the problem, more any air after the impeller causing an air lock.

I burnt out an impeller last month exactly that way!!

 

[David of Essex]

When assembling I have always use a water proof grease, coating impeller and pump body.
David

 

[LittleShip]

Vaseline..... every good boat (sailor) should carry some

Tom

PS Fairy Liquid is corrosive.

 

[omega2]

prime pump

We have a "sleepy" pump on the port side, to prime we "fill" the pump with soapy water, by undoing the hose at the intercooler and back filling.