Water pump seals

[concentrik]

Should the seals in my raw water pump have stainless springs? The one on the impeller side is constantly submerged in seawater (of course) but the spring has rusted away...

 

[vyv_cox]

Genuine Yanmar seals have springs in a copper alloy that corrodes away. Volvo ones, same dimensions, have stainless springs. Marine Power stock another, same dimensions, stainless spring but at a sensible price.

 

[concentrik]

Genuine Yanmar seals have springs in a copper alloy that corrodes away. Volvo ones, same dimensions, have stainless springs. Marine Power stock another, same dimensions, stainless spring but at a sensible price.

Thank you Vyv... would I be correct in thinking that whtever is used it should not be the usual spring steel (which rusts, like mine has)?

 

[vyv_cox]

Yes, it could be that you have a seal originally intended for oil, where a carbon steel spring would be acceptable.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Details here and supplier

http://www.interseals.co.uk/marine_seals.html

When I am changing any lip seals on my boat I always check the springs in the new seal with a magnet. I it is I dont use that spring but test the spring in the old seal and if it is in good order and non magnetic I will replace the spring in the new seal with the spring from the old seal.