In the past I've started a new motor in the driveway with a hose hooked up to the pump and motor...NOW I KNOW its a (no no) but the fact is that when (I've) done it there has been NO problems with wear on the imp. and wear ring...and as far as the packing rings I use a special composite that needs no water for cooling and has not scored the shaft. After taking my pump apart, its in the same spec. as it was some 5 seasons ago. .020 Imp.to wear ring front shoulder and .015 per side.
HOWEVER when its time to fire the new rebuild...(pump and motor) I'm taking it to the ramp...for extended run time on the trailer. (Adjustment to carb, timing, lifters.) Who knows, I may even get a boating day out of it! If ya have a way to disconect the pump from the motor...do it, but as far as any extended run time, I would back it in the water!
[This message has been edited by HammerDown (edited March 05, 2002).]