he survey on my 3860 revealed a few minor things in need of repair or replacement. An agreement was reached with the seller for him to pay me for all necessary repairs. Some of the items I repaired myself and put the money towards upgrades. The last item to be repaired was a leaking water pump. I was ready to ride, the weather had been lousy and I was just getting lazy so I called the repair guy. I requested a quote for replacing or rebuilding the leaking pump. The mechanic said that he does not recommend repairing a leaking pump, because when they leak the shafts are usually bad. I listened and smiled as I received the quote of about $600.00 to replace the pump. This boat is a completely fresh water boat with very little hours so I doubted that the shaft was corroded. After A bit of research on the Volvo 8.1 engine, I discovered that there was a six dollar ($6.00), shaft seal. I called my local west marine store and had a few shipped in. If I was willing to wait a few days the shipping was free.
The 8.1's water pump comes off very easily. First you remove the pump housing , which holds the impeller, then remove the pump by removing three (3) allen screws. There is no need to take off the drive belt like on some smaller VP engines. I could have removed the shaft seal with the pump in place but it was actually easier on the back and faster to remove the pump. It took all of 5-10 minutes to remove the pump.
The shaft seal is a snug fitting rubber seal with a spring in the center. Remove it carefully using a small edged object, I used a very small screw driver. Check the shaft for signs of corrosion and see if it spins freely with no grinding feeling. If all is well, place the new seal over the shaft. Use your thumbs to seat it in place. Spin the pump to ensure it spins freely. Replace the pump and presto, no more leak for $6.00.
I hope this saves a few of you $594.00
The 8.1's water pump comes off very easily. First you remove the pump housing , which holds the impeller, then remove the pump by removing three (3) allen screws. There is no need to take off the drive belt like on some smaller VP engines. I could have removed the shaft seal with the pump in place but it was actually easier on the back and faster to remove the pump. It took all of 5-10 minutes to remove the pump.
The shaft seal is a snug fitting rubber seal with a spring in the center. Remove it carefully using a small edged object, I used a very small screw driver. Check the shaft for signs of corrosion and see if it spins freely with no grinding feeling. If all is well, place the new seal over the shaft. Use your thumbs to seat it in place. Spin the pump to ensure it spins freely. Replace the pump and presto, no more leak for $6.00.
I hope this saves a few of you $594.00
