Alpha I water pump question

[Sundancer]

I'm replacing my impellers and housing in my Alpha I drives this morning. Port went fine and I had no issues. When I got to the Starboard, I hit something that was "different" from the Port. The plastic tube from the pump to the copper water pipe is quite a bit bigger than the copper tube on both drives. It seems excessively large, but they seem to work. Is there any adapter or rubber bushing or anything that keeps water from leaking out? The reason I ask is because on the Starboard had a piece of rubber that was stuck on the end of the copper tube. It was too big to go inside the new or old plastic tubing pieces and I don't remember seeing that the last time I replaced the water pumps? Somebody give me a sanity check so I can pull that rubber piece off and just put the drive back together!!

 

[chandalen]

there are 2 rubber pieces I believe you are talking about. One is larger, thicker, and fits snugly over the drive shaft (see below) the other rubber piece goes in the hole of the top of the water pump housing. the PVC pipe fits snugly in the top of the housing and over the copper tube of the upper drive.
The centrfugal (spelling) rubber grommet (thicker and larger) that goes on the drive shaft pushed flush against the top of the water pump housing.

A new rubber grommet and PVC pipe should have come with the impeller kit. Also, its best to pay the extra $4 and get a kit that has the base plate as well. The rubber seal on the base plate has a spring in it that streches out and can cause a leak.

 

[Sundancer]

there are 2 rubber pieces I believe you are talking about. One is larger, thicker, and fits snugly over the drive shaft (see below) the other rubber piece goes in the hole of the top of the water pump housing. the PVC pipe fits snugly in the top of the housing and over the copper tube of the upper drive.
The centrfugal (spelling) rubber grommet (thicker and larger) that goes on the drive shaft pushed flush against the top of the water pump housing.

A new rubber grommet and PVC pipe should have come with the impeller kit. Also, its best to pay the extra $4 and get a kit that has the base plate as well. The rubber seal on the base plate has a spring in it that streches out and can cause a leak.

It's where the PVC pipe fits over the copper tube. That's where I'm trying to decide if I'm good to go. The copper is about 1/16 or slightly smaller than the pvc and leaves a fairly good gap?

 

[chandalen]

That is odd, while the PVC slid easily over the copper tubing on my drives, it was tight enough that I am not worried about water squirting out the sides (too much).
Thats above my skills as to if its normal or not!

My understanding of the operation is while the impeller squirts water up into the engine, there is a vacuum from the engine that assists in pulling water in.

 

[Sundancer]

That is odd, while the PVC slid easily over the copper tubing on my drives, it was tight enough that I am not worried about water squirting out the sides (too much).
Thats above my skills as to if its normal or not!

My understanding of the operation is while the impeller squirts water up into the engine, there is a vacuum from the engine that assists in pulling water in.

I'm sure it's fine, the manual and all the things I've read indicate there is nothing else on the copper tube. Doesn't seem very efficient, but maybe that gap provides pump longevity with some spillage?? Beats me!! I'm putting it back together just like the other one!!

Thanks!!

 

[chandalen]

As long as your risers are warm, and not hot, all should be good!