Basic Impeller Question

[thunderbird1]

I've owned my boat since 2006 and I'd like to have the impeller replaced this year (based on recommendations I've read on this board). I apologize for my lack of mechanical expertise. Will the stern drive on my boat need to be removed to replace the impeller? I have no idea where it is located.

 

[rondds]

No. With a bravo 3, the pump housing is mounted on the engine and is driven by the engine's serpentine belt. The impeller is located inside this housing. Expect to pay btwn $250 and $350 for this job.

 

[greenstreak]

thunderbird1---I hope the pump housing isn't at the bottom of engine like it is on my 7.4 mpi. this is the dumbest design I have seen. My volvo engines had the impeller in a place where it was simple to change.

art

 

[Skip]

Mr. Thunderbird,
I sent you a PM on this and other topics of the day.

regards
Skip

 

[topgun1185]

I agree the merc water pump set up is one of the worst designs I have ever seen. Although you can service the impeller, merc wants the water pump replaced after 300 hrs of service. My port pump failed after 200 hrs and was a real pain to replace. There is a band clamp on the bottom hose that needs to be cut off before removal this sucks. 6hrs and a bad back and i replaced the pump.

 

[Four Suns]

Mr. Thunderbird,
I sent you a PM on this and other topics of the day.

regards
Skip

Please tell....

 

[thunderbird1]

Thanks Skip!

Four Suns: Skip and I continued our discussion out on the J-Dock. Unfortunately, most folks from the G-Dock don't have access to the J-Dock <grin>.

 

[Carpedmman]

I've owned my boat since 2006 and I'd like to have the impeller replaced this year (based on recommendations I've read on this board). I apologize for my lack of mechanical expertise. Will the stern drive on my boat need to be removed to replace the impeller? I have no idea where it is located.

Thunderbird- I'm right up the road in Vancouver and can give you support should you want to do this repair by yourself. I've changed my pumps numerous times on my 454 and I don't think the engine set-ups are too different. The fact that we have the BIII vs. inboards makes this repair "easy", er, easier?

 

[wingless]

A spare set of impellers might make the difference between a tow and motoring home.

Those are part of the myriad of parts, tools and material I keep on-hand.

 

[wingless]

Don't forget to reverse flush the coolers when an impeller deteriorates. The hunks of rubber remain to obstruct the coolers.

The cooling lines on mine are disassembled and a garden hose is used to shoot water back and forth until bits stop coming out.