A shockingly pleasant experience - replacing the generator impeller on a 400DA

[Stee6043]

It is rare that a boat maintenance project goes better than you expected. I had this very rare opportunity this past weekend. I've been slowly getting caught up on my Westerbeke maintenance this year after having spent 4+ weeks with my marina trouble shooting bad capacitors.

The generator itself on a 400DA of my vintage is in the absolute worst location possible (my opinion). I'm sure there are good reasons they didn't put the generator behind the engines...but it could surely fit on a gas 400.

In spite of the location of the generator the raw water pump is shocking accessible once you're laying on the starboard engine. It's almost a relaxing repair. I was able to pop the cover off, pull the old impeller and fish out the missing piece with ease. Lubed up the new rig and reinstalled with minimal cussing.

Shoot...I might replace that thing every year just for kicks at this point

 

[Boat Guy]

I think the 400da has great access to most things, including the genie impeller....Which you want to change every year, because they are made very cheap. I'd like to find another source than Westerbeke for the $50 part.

The Stbd engine impeller is no fun though....

 

[RollerCoastr]

The only item I find hard to get to in a gasser 400DA is the genny oil filter. The plugs aren't visible, but they're not far away so I can feel my way around without issue.

I seem to have stumbled across a magic impeller years ago. I don't even want to type how old it is and how many hours are on it. You're right Stee - access to it is awesome. I've pulled the cover plate a few times with the intention of replacing it, but I can clearly see that it's in great shape. It has no cracks and pumps great, so I put the cover plate back on it and continue on.