Blown bearings on main idler pulley

[Fiveflat]

Need advice how to replace. It's not the adjuster pulley up top that is just mounted on a bracket, it's the big smooth pulley and the shaft appears to go back into the block? I removed the (4) 1/2" bolts and took the pulley itself off. Here is a photo of the pulley hub and you can see the bits of the bearings on the shaft.

This is a Mercruiser 350 in a '99 21V.

IMG_1464.jpg

[laserfish]

That is your water circulation pump. Just like the water pump on an old chevy. Usually they leak when the bearing goes out. Should be an easy replacement.

[Fiveflat]

Interesting. So the circulating pump is needed along with the raw water pump eh? I'm a bit embarassed I didn't know what that was

So I check them out via google, anything "marinized" about this part, or can I go pick one up at Napa for a Chevy 350?

[laserfish]

If it was mine, Autozone here I come. Old chevy waterpumps are cheap. I would just go with new and not rebuilt.

[Fiveflat]

Yea, Napa wants $150 for new $56 for refurb. Summit only wants $55 for new though. interesting...


Although, I did specify Mercruiser in my Napa search where the Summit search was just a simple 'ol Chevy pickup

[chpthril]

Do not use an automotive water pump. They need the lubricant in the antifreeze to lube the bearing. Marine water pumps are sealed and permanently lubed.

[Fiveflat]

Ah, so a refurb mercruiser specific from Napa isn't so bad at $56...

[laserfish]

Thanks for the heads up Chp.