Volvo 2020 Water Pump Repair

[alan]

I have a Volvo MD 2020C which has developed a leak behind the impeller housing on the sea water pump. I am told (by Volspec) that there is a repair kit available for this pump. I have a Volvo workshop manual but they do not describe removing the sea water pump let alone dismantling it!! Could anyone out there tell me:

(a) if the repair is reasonably straight forward for a reasonably competent do-it-yourselfer

(b) are there any special tools required


I don't want to end up going to the local mechanic with the bits in a cardboard box and looking stupid!!!

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Alan.
Nettuno, Italy.

<hr width=100% size=1>Alan Cloke

 

[dickh]

Alan, it's easy, I have the Perkins Perama which is the identical base engine as the VP 2020. Mine also was leaking when I got the boat, so at the first layup I removed the pump, held on by 2 or 4 bolts if I remember rightly and then dismantled it on the bench. Easy to remove and nothing fell off as you removed it. Can't remember the actual construction but it was easy to dismantle, I renewed the bearings and both seals - all bought from Bearing Services Ltd. All standard bearings and seal if I remember and at a fraction of the cost of the "official" spares kit.
Mmm - just seen you are in Italy - you will have to try your local Bearing supplier, who will be able to source the seals as well.. The book says you should also renew the shaft if a groove has been worn in it by the seal, mine did have a groove but I decided to risk it(the shaft of course is only obtainable from Perkins and was expensive) and so far - 5 years later it still doesn't leak. If I remember there is a drain hole between the two seals - this must be kept clear - two seals, one to stop engine oil getting out and one seal to stop water leaking from the pump.
No special tools required and if you are a DIYer you'll have no problems. I may have got an exploded view at home, I'll look for it tonight and could send to you.
If you need other engine spares, compare prices with the Perkins Perama - sometimes they are cheaper than VP(but not always - the VP exhaust Elbow was much cheaper than the Perkins! - guess which I fitted...)

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[pvb]

Seals...

Important to note which way round they're fitted, so that the new ones are put in correctly!

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[brians]

Where do you obtain Perkins Perama spares?

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[alan]

Thanks, Dick. That was really helpful. I will try and find the seals and replace them. The kit from VP was priced at £109 + VAT, but I assume that includes the shaft. However, I will try and just do the seals first and see what happens.
Again thanks for your help, I feel more confident now to take the pump off and strip it down.

Alan.

<hr width=100% size=1>Alan Cloke

 

[alan]

Dick,
Should have asked in my last mail .......... do you have a contact address for Bearing Services Ltd. ? I found one from the Web in Swindon, is that them??

Thanks,

Alan.

<hr width=100% size=1>Alan Cloke

 

[Heckler]

just a bit more info to put in the system, i think i am correct in saying that the pump is the same as the 2030, there was an issue with the 2030 pump where VP changed it to a different spec and then said that because they didnt want to carry 2 lots of spares would only support the later pump. one of the issues with the original pump was that (especialy in silty waters) where the water seal rubbed the shaft, a groove developed, i am of the opinion also that the shaft was not that hard. if you then changed the seals it would start leaking again very quickly. VP offered a later pump for mega bucks, approx £230, keyparts are now offering one, and please dont hold me to it, for approx £130 ish.
the original pump was a jabsco. people have had the shaft welded and turned/ground successfully. keyparts also sell the bearings and seals at a lot cheaper price than VP, i also sourced seals from a motor factors in wrexham but i must warn you that they are slightly thinner that the original, this can help on a slightly worn shaft cause the lip of the seal sits in a different place. another perspective was put on the situation by keith thomas of llyn marine in pwllheli, he said that part of his winterisation process was to take the pump apart, change the seals and make sure that they were well greased every year and that there was then not an issue.
stu

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk