EXHIBIT 23 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 33-19103 pertaining to the 1986 Stock Option Plan, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 33-30383 pertaining to the 1989 Directors Stock Option Plan, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 33- 49224 pertaining to the 1991 Stock Option Plan, and the Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 033-65219 pertaining to the 1995 Directors Stock Option Plan of Zurn Industries, Inc., in Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 333-00823 pertaining to the Zurn Retirement Savings Plan, and in Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 333-00813 pertaining to the Zurn/NEPCO Retirement Savings Plan of our report dated May 19, 1997 included in Item 8 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule incorporated by reference or included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Zurn Industries, Inc. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Erie, Pennsylvania June 27, 1997