CD13 water pump issues

[makeitrun]

I have recently put together a Johnson CD13 rebuilt power head, new seal kit, and impeller. The motor fired up after a couple of pulls, and runs very good except it doesn’t pump water. I have removed the power head 3 times trying to figure it out everything checks out good with the lower unit, and power head nothing is clogged I am stumped.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Doug Wilson]

make sure the water in the tank is well above the intake up closerto the exhaust these pumps do not self prime so needs tobe higher than you would think
also if it has a thermostat make sure it is opening
Doug

Doug

how is it motors multiply when the garage lights get
turned off?

[Mumbles]

I see you are in Florida so there is a chance this motor has been used in salt water?

One weak link in the chain in the cooling systems of these motors is in the area of the upper water tube grommet. They tend to corrode in this area causing a massive internal water leak which can’t be seen while the motor is running. If you pull the tube and the grommet right out, you will see right away if any aluminum is missing. Better yet, plug the water passage right below the power head and apply water or air pressure to the copper water tube to check for leakage. There is a way to fix this problem but that’s another story.

[makeitrun]

It’s a northern motor super clean the problem was the water level was not above the impeller she pumps water like a firetruck now. The only problem now is I found the crank seal underneath the power head floating in the water off comes the power head one more time.

[fleetwin]

Are you sure you are using the correct powerhead base gasket? Are you sure the powerhead and exhaust housing are the same vintage/compatible?
This can get confusing, and mismatches/wrong gaskets usually lead to overheat problems.

[aquasonic]

Well, the water pump issue could not have had a better outcome!

I can see how the crank seal could fall off easily when reinstalling the powerhead.

If you haven’t replaced that cork crank seal and the o-ring under the powerhead then it would be a good time to do this. That will keep water from getting into the crankcase.

[fleetwin]

OK, so it sounds like the issue has been resolved??

[makeitrun]

Yes everything is good now, thanks all for the help.

[Author]

Posts