Hardin s/s seawater pumps. worth the change?


T

TOP FUEL

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How have the Hardin S/S pumps held up over multi seasons? Are they worth the $500. I would be putting them in a 02 370SS with 496 ho mags. Thanks.
 
I do not have them. But I did inquire about them to Hardin earlier this year. The guy went through with what I needed given that I have Axius and the pulley on the pump is different than non Axius configured engines. I thought, hmmm? But I did measure my pulleys and the guy was right about which configuration to get etc. But the Hardin guy said, "Even if you wanted to buy them I couldn't supply them to you right now?" I asked why. He said that due to covid that they were so backed up on orders thru distributors that as soon as they finish a batch they go directly to their distributors etc. So, I took that to mean that they are a little hard to find these days. Just like really good gasoline engine marine mechanics in this hot boat market......Would appreciate hearing your input if you do install them.
 
Bought one and used 2 seasons and its sitting on the shelf now.
The machining had one small defect which I didn't like but impeller did last. The internal wear plate must be replaced when replacing the impeller same as Merc.

First install on my motor while exhaust mans were removed so I could get beside the motor. Next install requires me to hang upside down. After removing and having trouble with hanging on (bit heavy) I went back to plastic housing, and replace complete housing with impeller every 2 years. I have the Gen 2 pump where yours would be Gen 3
 
A plastic housing? my gen 7s are all bronze and the end plates wear. I didn't know there was a different option besides the SS hardin or Merc bronze pumps. Thank you guys for replying.
 
TOP FUEL said:
A plastic housing? my gen 7s are all bronze and the end plates wear. I didn't know there was a different option besides the SS hardin or Merc bronze pumps. Thank you guys for replying.
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There isn't for yours unless you want to change to the old style like mine
sea pump.jpg
 
After digging around on the net I came across " After market marine" that sell a rebuild kit for the gen7s that use a drop in S/S end cap, S/S wear plate and a 1/16th " smaller impeller( to adjust for end cap insert) that are replaceable at rebuild. About $100 buck.
Anyone have a history for this set up?...Happy New Year.
 
TOP FUEL said:
After digging around on the net I came across " After market marine" that sell a rebuild kit for the gen7s that use a drop in S/S end cap, S/S wear plate and a 1/16th " smaller impeller( to adjust for end cap insert) that are replaceable at rebuild. About $100 buck.
Anyone have a history for this set up?...Happy New Year.
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Perhaps if you have a prestine housing it would work, but everything I've heard about those kits is that they tend to be hit and miss and have issues.

THe poster before that said his SS pump had a defect must be talking about a different model because there is no plastic housing on the 496. If there was, I'd use OEM in a heart beat.

However, since the 496 pump is IMO a bad design, and the whole pump needs to be replaced if scored, then I saw no point in getting oem again.

1 year on SS hardin marines with zero issues, I'll run it again next season then rebuild the impellers spring 2022. I do them every 2 years no matter what. IMO it's worth it over OEM on the gen 7. Don't confuse this with older generations where it isn't wort it. It's apples to oranges
 
When oem pump needs to be replaced I would look into replacing with Gen 4 pump and drain Tee fitting
Would sure like to know what it would take to change over. My guess is the old bracket and different length belt

Pump gen 4.jpg861505 Tee.jpg
 
AllDodge said:
When oem pump needs to be replaced I would look into replacing with Gen 4 pump and drain Tee fitting
Would sure like to know what it would take to change over. My guess is the old bracket and different length belt

View attachment 11012View attachment 11013
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The fuel cool is in the place that it would normally go. Some custom brackets would need to be made, then you'd have to check pully diameter. You would lose the auto drain system. It would certainly be a good option if it could work. Though if it were cheap./easy they would exist. I bet once you got the parts figured out you'd be at the same price as the hardin pump.
 
I bet once you got the parts figured out you'd be at the same price as the hardin pump.
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Could be, but my thought is with my style I just replace the hole pump housing every 2 years for $100.

All good
 
AllDodge said:
Could be, but my thought is with my style I just replace the hole pump housing every 2 years for $100.

All good
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The hardin marine full rebuild kit is 75, with bearings and both wear plates. The plasitc pump and new housing doesn't include the bearings or seals. I've had the plastic pumps and love them on my 330ss, if you can get them to fit I'd say go for it. If you have to spend more than 500 a side, the hardin's a better option.
 
Where the Gen 6/7 pumps have built in drain fittings on the rear of the pump. The older Gen pumps do not have the drains. The hose going to the pump inlet/outlet are cut and the Tee's are installed so makes draining of the hoses without removing


Gen 6 pump wo bypass.jpgGen 7 pump w bypass.jpg
 
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