Sierra 18-3171 Yamaha Water Pump Housing

Keep Your Yamaha Outboard Running Cool with a Dependable Water Pump Housing

Nothing disrupts a day on the water like an overheating engine. The water pump housing plays a critical role in circulating coolant through your Yamaha outboard, preventing costly damage from heat buildup. If you're noticing reduced performance, unusual noises, or steam rising from the lower unit, it's time to inspect this essential component. A high-quality replacement ensures smooth water flow, protects your impeller, and extends engine life during those long fishing trips or family cruises.

Engineered for marine environments, this housing stands up to saltwater corrosion and constant vibration, delivering the reliability serious boaters demand without compromising on fit or function.

Precision Fit and Durable Construction for Yamaha Outboards

• Exact OEM Specifications: Matches the original dimensions for seamless integration, eliminating guesswork during replacement.
• Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Built with premium alloys that resist galvanic corrosion, ideal for both freshwater and saltwater use.
• Enhanced Durability: Thicker walls and reinforced mounting points handle high RPMs and rough seas better than stock in demanding conditions.
• Easy Access Design: Streamlined shape simplifies impeller inspection and service, saving you time at the dock or on the trailer.

Boaters upgrading from worn factory housings report cooler running temps and quieter operation, turning potential breakdowns into non-events.

Perfect Compatibility for Popular Yamaha Models

This water pump housing fits a range of Yamaha 2-stroke outboards from 40HP to 60HP, including popular models like the 40TLRB, 50TLRB, and 60TLRB. Always cross-reference with your engine's serial number for the best match—common in mid-range powerheads where water pump failures spike after 300-500 hours of use. It's a direct swap for OEM part numbers, restoring factory-level cooling efficiency.

Pro tip: Pair it with a fresh impeller and gasket kit during routine lower unit service to maximize longevity and avoid leaks.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for DIY Boaters

Replacing the water pump housing is a straightforward weekend project that most owners can tackle with basic tools. Here's how to do it right:

1. Prep Work: Tilt the outboard, drain the lower unit gear oil, and remove the lower unit bolts. Support the unit securely.
2. Disassemble: Carefully detach the water tube, shift rod, and propeller shaft. Inspect the old housing for wear patterns like cracks or erosion.
3. Swap the Housing: Clean mating surfaces, apply marine sealant to gaskets, and torque the new housing to spec (typically 8-10 ft-lbs—check your service manual).
4. Reassemble and Test: Reinstall the lower unit, refill gear oil, and run the engine on muffs with a flush kit. Monitor water flow from the tell-tale.
5. Final Checks: Sea trial at idle and WOT to confirm no leaks or overheating.

Expect 2-4 hours total. Common pitfalls? Over-tightening bolts or skipping gasket sealant—both lead to leaks. With proper torque and fresh seals, this upgrade can last seasons longer than the original.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Water Pump Life

Preventive care keeps your outboard's cooling system humming:

• Flush after every saltwater outing to remove salt buildup.
• Inspect annually or every 100 hours for impeller wear or housing cracks.
• Use ethanol-free fuel to minimize internal corrosion.
• Winterize properly by fogging and stabilizing if trailered.

Owners who follow these habits often double the service interval between full water pump rebuilds, avoiding emergency tows and repair bills.

Real Boater Benefits: Reliability Meets Affordability

Switching to this aftermarket housing means no skimping on quality while dodging premium OEM prices. Anglers chasing trophy fish in rough bays appreciate the vibration resistance, while weekend warriors value the peace of mind. It's not just a part—it's insurance against overheating disasters that ruin outings.