How Long Should it Take to Change 320 6.2l Impeller?

3

320Bob

Active Member
Nov 2, 2009
1,314
AZ
Boat Info
2012 Chaparral 267 SSX Sold
Engines
Boatless
My boat is in the marina shop get the running gear replaced that I tore up going aground. Since I was in the mud with the engines running, part of the estimated repair cost was to flush the engines and generator plus replacing all 3 impellars. I talked to the Service Manager today and he said it took his guy close to 5 hours to change the engine impellars because he had to remove some brackets and exhaust hoses to get to it. I don't have to pay for the extra hours over the estimate but is it really that time consuming to change 320 impellars due to the cramped engine compartment?
 
5 hours is about right.
 
Thanks guys, next time I need my impellers replace, I can expect it will cost $500 plus parts. Their estimate to the insurance company was $475 for flushing the engines, replacing 3 impellers (incl gen) and a sea trial. I think I may have come out ahead this time.
 
I had my impellers changed out about 3 weeks ago (along with changing all the filters and fluids (oil, transmission), plugs, and same on genny. Total cost not including the parts or fluids, which I already had, was about $750.00. It took about 3 hours for my mechanic to do the impellers...There's no way I could have spent that much time spread out across the engines..
 
Wow, these numbers made me feel good as I did my impellers last year and as I recall it took me anywhere between 2-3hrs for both. Genny took about 15min. This was my first time doing the job on theses engines. I also took exhaust off on the strbrd side to access the pump. If it takes 5hrs for professional mechanic to do it, he either suck big time or he's over charging you big time.

Sorry for the troubles you're going thru.
 
Alex F said:
Wow, these numbers made me feel good as I did my impellers last year and as I recall it took me anywhere between 2-3hrs for both. Genny took about 15min. This was my first time doing the job on theses engines. I also took exhaust off on the strbrd side to access the pump. If it takes 5hrs for professional mechanic to do it, he either suck big time or he's over charging you big time.

Sorry for the troubles you're going thru.
Click to expand...

My marina is small and I think there are only two mechanics, the Service Manager who is very good and another less experienced guy. It was the latter who did the work which is why it took him 5 hours. Since they submitted a quote that they have to stick by to the insurance company, as I stated in an earlier post, I'm OK this time. Maybe in two years when they have to be changed again, I will either have the courage to do it myself or the mechanic will have 2 more years of experience and be able to change them in 3 instead of 5 hours.:grin:
 
Alex F said:
Wow, these numbers made me feel good as I did my impellers last year and as I recall it took me anywhere between 2-3hrs for both. Genny took about 15min. This was my first time doing the job on theses engines. I also took exhaust off on the strbrd side to access the pump. If it takes 5hrs for professional mechanic to do it, he either suck big time or he's over charging you big time.

Sorry for the troubles you're going thru.
Click to expand...

Alex

Your a rock star with that time. I watched a mechanic at my old marina lay accross my engine with his head down in the bilge, struggle for 3 hours on just one engine. He had to finish up the next day. Maybe the 6.2s are a tougher job?

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16500&highlight=Impeller
 
Last edited:
JohnsonSeawaterPump.jpg


I have seen these pumps used as replacements for the POS Mercruiser design. There is a company in R.I. that sells the pump and the brackets to do the retrofit. All you supply are the hoses. It is not cheap, however it pays for itself in 2 years if you have your impellers changed annually. It makes a disaster many of us pay to have done an easy 30 minute DIY.
 
How hard is the retrofit?
 
skolbe said:
How hard is the retrofit?
Click to expand...

I have never done it myself, however, Considering a lot of DIY's and pros remove the pump and do the work on a bench, I would imaging not hard at all. ATC did it on his 454's. Maybe he will chime in.
 
I have been working on boats all my life and I can honestly tell you that this is one of the worst boats I have ever worked on. If all goes well, as others have stated it should only take an hour or two for each engine. As you know with boats nothing is ever easy, and its never the same job, even if its the same boat. The port engine is a little more difficult that the starboard. I have done mine twice and I can tell you its easier and faster to pull the hoses off at the sea strainer, the tranny exchanger and the flush at the top of the riser. Once these are off you will find that the pump is only held by a couple of bolts. Once the bolts are removed, you will find that the pump is not sliding out. You have to remove the plastic drain plug and swing pump as far as possible to the port side to allow the bracket to pass the crank pulley. Once the pump is out you be able to change the impeller in 10 min. Then, back in it goes.
 
This looks like a volvo water pump. Its a much easier pump to service. Ive never seen anyone retrofit this to a mercruiser, but hey, why not. I like this idea! I am going to do some research.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, it seems to be a great alternative. I do everything myself on my boat and I do most of the maintance on a few in our fleet. This can be a great way to save me from some broken ribs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,247
Messages
1,429,241
Members
61,127
Latest member
Ants84245srv
Back
Top