How a seawater pump works

Simple Boat Maintenance author Pat Manley gives Yachting Monthly his expert guide to how a seawater pump works

The water and oil seals on a water pump shaft will eventually wear with time, leading to pump-shaft corrosion or loss of engine oil. A daily check of the water pump’s ‘tell-tale’ hole will give advance warning of a seal failure. The water pump is often mounted on the front of the engine. However, on some engines it’s mounted on the rear or at the side, so check your handbook.