Oberdorfer Seals

[Golfdad75]

Can someone shed some light on replacing the water pump seals.

[sailhog]

I would order the rebuild kit from MMI. It comes with directions and, if I remember correctly, took me about 1.5 hours to complete the job. I was urged to get the kit, which is a little more expensive than just the seals. In my case it was wise advice, as my original spindle was worn and would have worn out the new seals prematurely. Good luck! Not that you'll need it. The procedure is pretty straight-forward...

[marthur]

Really, the hardest part is getting the old seals out without marking up the pump. If you search the forum, you will see several threads about this topic that discuss that and other issues.


What specifically did you want to know?

[JOHN COOKSON]

Originally Posted by marthur

What specifically did you want to know?

+1
Get the pump off the engine and disassembled then put up a post with any questions you have.

TRUE GRIT

[Golfdad75]

My seals do not say oberdorfer, they are not brass, they do not have springs in them, but I did just get them from MMI.
What I do have is a smooth side and an open side, I assume the open sides to both seals face inward but I am not sure. Appreciate the help

[JOHN COOKSON]

As best I recall the seals are installed so the numbers or writing on the seals each face each other. The first seal is pressed in so you can read the numbers.The last seal is pressed in so you can't read the numbers. This way the numbered sides end up facing each other. If no one comes along and confirms this call MMI and ask Ken about the proper orientation before proceeding. Or search in the forum for proper seal orientation.
If you put the seals in the freezer and carry them to the work area between a couple of cakes of blue ice it will make them easier to start squarely.

TRUE GRIT

[marthur]

In general, seals are installed so the lip faces the medium (oil or water) they are sealing. That would put the lettering facing each other in the middle of the pump just as John says.

I used my wood vise and a socket to press the seals in. It was an nice controlled and gentle installation.

[JOHN COOKSON]

Originally Posted by Golfdad75

My seals do not say oberdorfer, they are not brass, they do not have springs in them, but I did just get them from MMI.

I replaced the seals in my water pump with the original brass oberdorfer seals three times. The last seal replacement was with seals like you described that I purchased from Moyer. They sort of look like they are made of plastic, but we know they are not plastic. The ones from Moyer have far outperformed the brass ones. It's been ~ 10 years now. So use the ones you got from Moyer with confidence.

TRUE GRIT

If the shaft is scored you will have to replace it also

[sastanley]

GD, One other piece of advise (from experience..)...don't (gently) pound the seals in so far that you cover the weep hole in the middle...it is there to allow leaking oil out, or leaking seawater out, before they get thru the other seal.

[Golfdad75]

Are you saying not to push the seal all the way to the bottom of the flange?

[Golfdad75]

Well the water pump is back on and it doesn't leak. Changed the seals and the shaft. Use a big c clamp and a socket to press the seals in. I also put the seals in the freezer overnight. Thanks for everyone's help