Water Pump Gasket Suzuki 17472-91J00

Function and technical context

The water pump gasket acts as a watertight seal between the various components that make up the cooling circuit pump assembly in small-displacement Suzuki outboard engines. Its purpose is to prevent coolant leakage—typically seawater or freshwater—at the pump housing unions, ensuring that flow remains complete to the engine block. Deficient sealing at this point causes a pressure drop in the cooling circuit that can lead to engine overheating, power loss, and in severe cases, irreversible damage to the cylinder liner or cylinder head. This part number (Suzuki 17472-91J00) is equally valid under the OMC/Johnson/Evinrude 5033381 designation, making it compatible with a wide range of low-horsepower equipment commonly found in inflatable boats, rigid-hull inflatables, and auxiliary vessels.

When to replace this part?

The most common symptoms of wear in a water pump gasket are the appearance of moisture or scale deposits in the pump housing union area, reduced cooling water flow from the discharge outlet, and abnormally elevated engine temperature even at low RPM. It is recommended to inspect and replace this gasket at each impeller maintenance kit service interval—generally once per season or every 100-150 hours of operation—as both components work in the same assembly and the gasket cost is minimal compared to an overheating breakdown. Replacing it preventively during scheduled maintenance avoids emergency service calls in operating areas and extends pump service life.

Compatible Johnson/Evinrude Engines

Equivalent manufacturer part numbers