Stainless Pump bearings?

[tean]

I'm rebuilding the raw water pump on my Yanmar 3HM35. The seal has leaked and allowed water to get to the bearings which need to be replaced. Can anyone comment on the merit, or otherwise, of using stainless replacement ballraces? The extra cost is negligible. Thanks for any replies.

 

[vyv_cox]

The usual reason for not using stainless ball bearings is that their load carrying capability is lower than through-hardened steel ones. However, for a water pump I doubt very much that this is an issue.

OTOH it seems rather negative to design for failure. It is usually obvious if the seal fails, as water pours out of the tell-tale hole.

 

[tean]

Thanks for the reply vyv_cox. I was thinking that it would save replacing the bearings if (when) the seal leaks again and also might stop the bearings rusting themselves in place. I had to use quite a lot of heat to get the originals out.
I would buy a new pump if it wasn't nearly £600!