How to Repair a Mariner Water Pump
While Mariner boat motors function very well in most respects, and are known for their reliability, the most common problem they face is with the water pump. The parts can wear down, causing problems. However, it is not difficult to repair the water pump.
What you will need:
Socket wrenches, water pump replacement kit, putty knife
Directions:
- If repairing the water pump while the motor is still on the boat, make sure that the boat is out of the water, and that it is secured on a trailer or stands to keep it in place. Also, there should be three feet of free space below the lowest part of the motor.
- Use your wrench to untighten the four bolts attached to the gear housing assembly and the drive shaft housing. These bolts are located between the blade and propeller, and point downward. Once the bolts have been removed, pull the housing down until it comes apart from the outboard. The drive shaft will be affixed, so separate it by pulling the assembly down until it is clear of the shaft.
- Get the gear housing in a position facing up. This prevents an oil leak. Find the impeller housing, which is attached by four bolts. Loosen the bolts and remove them. Take off the top of the housing and remove the intake tube. Turn the housing over, which will reveal the rubber impeller.
- Using a putty knife, scrape the gasket from the underside of the water pump housing you removed. The replacement kit will usually come with three gaskets. Attach these gaskets in place. Install the new impeller into the housing for the water pump. It should fit into a stainless steel liner. Put the four bolts back on and tighten them, then the intake hose back on, forcing it on its seal.
- Set up the cam rod, drive shaft and water tube. The cam rod's well should be placed directly in front of the water pump. The drive shaft should be placed with the crankcase. The water tube should be lined up with the pump assembly's top. Place the gear housing on the drive shaft housing. Restore the bolts and tighten them.