How to install Oberdorfer raw water pump

[Frank Langer]

Hi,
My last Oberdorfer raw water pump lasted about twelve years before needing new seals. My current pump began leaking through the weep hole after about two years. The mechanic said it may have been due to misalignment on installation, causing the shaft to wobble, wearing out the seals. He said to reinstall my pump with new seals and shaft carefully at a 90 degree angle. Sounds simple...
I installed my repaired pump today, pushing the adapter ( female to male end of shaft) carefully to connect with the engine drive inside. Then I placed the pump directly on the adapter, tightened the two bolts to finger tight, started the engine to allow the shaft and adapter to flexibly align themselves, then tightened the two bolts.
I think I've done everything possible to avoid misalignment , but am still a bit worried that I may not have it right.
Does anyone have any additional information on correct installation procedure?
Also, the mechanic said there was too much grease inside, meaning I was turning the grease cup too often. I never thought one could over lube a turning shaft, but he said I had. How often do you turn your grease cup?
Thanks for any help to allay my concerns.
Frank

 

[JSM]

I rebuilt my pump five years ago and just put everything back together with no problems. Seeing that the two bolts hold the pump firmly in one place and the shaft is supported by the two seals I don't see how alignment is a consideration.

 

[G Kiba]

I think you want the pump pulley in-line and parallel to the crank drive pulley. I am just thinking from memory and I have not done it myself but a straight edge pressed up against both pulleys might give you some idea if this is a problem. If it is miss-aligned, you may have to shim the mounting bolts with flat washers (various thicknesses) ? I'm doing some maintenance later today and will definitely check my alignment.

 

[Christian Williams]

I think I've done everything possible to avoid misalignment

Agree.

 

[Pete the Cat]

Hi,
My last Oberdorfer raw water pump lasted about twelve years before needing new seals. My current pump began leaking through the weep hole after about two years. The mechanic said it may have been due to misalignment on installation, causing the shaft to wobble, wearing out the seals. He said to reinstall my pump with new seals and shaft carefully at a 90 degree angle. Sounds simple...
I installed my repaired pump today, pushing the adapter ( female to male end of shaft) carefully to connect with the engine drive inside. Then I placed the pump directly on the adapter, tightened the two bolts to finger tight, started the engine to allow the shaft and adapter to flexibly align themselves, then tightened the two bolts.
I think I've done everything possible to avoid misalignment , but am still a bit worried that I may not have it right.
Does anyone have any additional information on correct installation procedure?
Also, the mechanic said there was too much grease inside, meaning I was turning the grease cup too often. I never thought one could over lube a turning shaft, but he said I had. How often do you turn your grease cup?
Thanks for any help to allay my concerns.
Frank

Yes, you can put too much grease in the pump. The Oberdorfers on A4s have an grease cap, the 202M nipple on the Universal diesels has been misidentified on Youtube and some of the Ericson materials as a grease cap--it is really just for draining water from the pump, though someone could put a tiny bit of grease for the start up with a new impeller in there-- I would recommend using glycerine directly on the impeller surfaces rather than a alot of grease jammed in the pump. Once immersed, the pumps on diesels should not require more lubrication. If you overdo the grease, it is possible to push out the seals and even block the hoses leading to the heat exchanger. Don't ask how I acquired this knowledge.