[A/S] Water pump leak

["Christopher45103" <blickcd@xxxxxxx>]

Last night I let the water run for about 5 - 10 minutes to empty the 
tank so I could refill with fresh water before a trip.  I noticed a 
small leak in the pump housing, which might have trickled out about 
half a shot glass worth of water.

This is a PAR pump, most likely the original 1979.  The base is 
roughly the size of a brick and has a top plate fastened with four 
bolts, and the motor and drive pulley are mounted on this top plate.  
The leak is where the top plate meets the base, roughly between the 
inlet and outlet connections on the side.

The leak is not any of the connections.  I can clearly see water has 
run out from under the lid, so to speak, and run down the side of the 
pump base.  So far, no loss of system pressure, so the diaphragm may 
be okay and just a bad seal inside.  Not sure since I've never had 
one of these apart.

I know these pumps are expensive and wanted to know if rebuild kits 
were available.  Also, if anyone has had any experience with this 
type of faliure, how much longer could I expect it to last with just 
using every other weekend and normal water conservation practices?

Christopher