Water pump going bad?

[Terroreyes]

I've got a 2002 50hp Merc. It suddenly developed a whining sound in the lower unit. Typical bad bearing sound. The whining increases with the RPM's, even out of gear, so I think the drive components are fine. Water is still pumping, but a little lax at idle and while it whining. If it is the pump, anything hard to replacing it? I'm a little more mechanically inclined than average, but never wrenched around in a lower unit. [br][div align="center"][br][center][br][font color="#3300CC";font face="Roman"; size="+2"][b][br][br]Terror - [font color="red";font face="Webdings"; size="+3"]NN

[REW]

Even if you don't do the entire job yourself, you can save a lot of money, if you drop the lower unit off the motor.
Typically 4 or 5 bolts, and possibly a linkage disconnect.

Then, if you want, take the lower unit into the dealer and have them replace the water pump and all seals, and then do a pressure and vacuum test.

Even though you can replace the pump and seals yourself, unless you have the equipment, it is tough to do a pressure and vacuum test.

When you get the lower unit back, pop it back on - making sure that linkage is correct as well as exhaust connections.

Take care
REW

[Terroreyes]

Thanks! Ended up being the driveshaft bearing. On a 2 year old motor????? I changed the lower unit fluid EVERY 30-40 hours! I'M BUYING JAPANESE ON MY NEXT MOTOR!!!!! No more Mercs for me!!!! Too many problems for the price you pay.
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