I’ve been doing some research on my engine and discovered that both the W33 and the Vetus 4.14 are based on the Mitsubishi KE 150 engine. The interesting thing is that while the Westerbeke mounts the raw water pump on the back side of the drive access, the Vetus mounts it on the front. In each case the unused side is covered with a blank plate.
Could it be this easy to make impeller inspection a breeze?
Paul M
NS30U #211, Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay, B.C.
The pump Westerbeke uses is a Johnson 10-36006. So if Ventus uses the same pump and from the picture they look similar there is a small chance it is you may be able to flip the pump.
But the bolt patterns and castings from the pictures look different. The front end cover is a “marine” modification. If both manufacturers used the same front it may be a Mitusubishi common part. But looks more like a Westerbeke part…
Only way to know is to remove the cap, but make sure you can get a new gasket before hand. I did look for the front end for a 33a in the parts book but could not find one, only the 33 was shown and it does not have a front pump mount plate.
Paul: If that is true, you deserve an award from a lot of W33 owners only if the raw water pump can be moved to that location. I have one concern – the pump would turn in the opposite direction!! Not sure what would happen.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
Just preliminary research at this point. I realize the pump would have to rotate the opposite direction but the Vetus pump would. It would be worth a little expense to get such a huge improvement in access. The Westerbeke pump definitely would not work.
I notice that the block on the 33 has 4 studs for mounting the pump. Are they the same spacing as a 27?? The next time I go to my boat, I want to look at my spare pump and rotate it backwards to see what happens.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
Looking at my parts listings, the same pump fits the W13 – 33 engines.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
Both appear to be four bolt pattern but the casting is a little different in that the four holes seem to be rotated 45 degrees between the two. The Vetus pump is retained by clamps on two of the bolts.
Paul - That horizontal water pipe is lower on the Westerbeke, but is different (rubber only) and higher on the Vetus.
Changing the rotation, you are good with tools. If the constrictor plate (that lobe inside the pump) can be unscrewed, drill a hole on the other side (if you know what I mean) and mount that internal constrictor plate there. You’ll have to plug the other screw hole, of course.
When I had my W13, I had a look, and that plate was indeed screwed in as it was a wear part, and of course, makes machining of the housing much easier.
Just my 2 cents based on the pics;
JohnS
NS26C getting refrigeration pretty soon;
Bath, ON.
Thanks John. I think that might work but as I remember the casting isn’t symmetrical so the constrictor may only go one way. At this point this is just a folly but it’s fun to look into. You never know ……
The 33 and 33A from looking at the Westerbeke parts books appear to use a different front end . The 33 has a similar cover to my 21 there is not a bolted plate like yours.
Pump direction should be handled by rearranging the input hose.
I think the big issue will be pump shaft engagement. But I assume Johnson is not making these kinds modes. Although the difference between a Westerbeke impeller and a stock Johnson is a smaller pin on the Westerbeke.
I think Thor is correct about reversing the hoses. I need to grab my spare pump, bring it home and experiment with the flow direction using a drill.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
This pump, the newer model, seems more symmetrical than mine and looks like it would run either way. I’ll have a look at mine today.
Paul: I await your report with baited breath!!
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
Well upon examination it looks like my pump is symmetrical and should run either direction. I would have to actually remove it and the front cover plate to find out if it still engaged the drive inside. That is also when I would find out how close it would be to the steel cooling water crossover pipe and the vee belt.
It’s close enough that you can’t tell without trying it.
… maybe one day I will….