’60s Johnson water pump – Freeze Damage

[chris-p]

I see that quite often actually up here in the great white north!

mud daubers build nests in the drain holes, water sits in there over winter, freezes, expands, and EASILY destroys those thin pieces of casting.

Keep them drain holes clear! Some guys tilt the motor back and forth, to get all water out, before leaving it vertical.

A few mechanics I know have a tank filled with antifreeze they run motors in on their last winterizing run of the year up north. Mainly for inboards of course, but they do the outboards in the tank as well.

[fleetwin]

The important thing to remember while making the repairs is that the impeller plate must fit flat against that surface, or exhaust will be drawn into the pump. None of those broken pieces are against the outer wall of the pump/housing surface, so you don’t have much to worry about except making sure the repaired pieces do not sit up too high causing the impeller plate to be distorted or create a sealing problem.

[1946zephyr]

Oh yes, If you have mud and debris, that will definately help the freeze and expansion effect.

[mas]

Filled mine with epoxy after straightening…seems ok

[Author]

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