Impeller Blade replacement on 2000 380 Sundancer

2000SR380

2000SR380

Member
Feb 17, 2014
451
Emeryville, CA
Boat Info
2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer, Express Cruiser
Engines
Two 5.0L Gas Mercruiser V8, B3 Outdrives
So, on my other boats (all sailing type cruisers) I have changed the impellers every year just for GP. The job was generally around 30 Minutes. On the 380DA there are three. (x1) each for the Mains, and one for the Westerbeke generator. Last week I commenced the SR impeller job for the first time. First time, for me, on a twin engine boat too (we have the two 8.1L Mercruisers). I would sure like to hear how other people have managed the Port engine. The Starboard engine was doable. I found a broken hose clamp to the heat exchanger and there was lots of rust (Not visible until the belt and Idler bracket were removed). By the time I was done cleaning and painting, and fixing, I had nearly eight hours invested. Monday I put 3 hours in on the Port Engine impeller and the pump is still in the boat! I removed the port side exhaust and floor piece for access, but I am too fat to squish myself down beside the engine and still move my arms. Everything is out, and loose, except the inlet and outlet hoses. I got the clamps loose, but I could not reach the hoses. No matter what boat yard Yoga I tried. Does this job really require a double elbowed skinny midget? Do I need to remove the Port side muffler and go in from aft of the Engine? I am going back in Saturday. Any pointers (besides 'buy a bigger boat', or 'Loose some freaking weight') would be gratefully accepted.
 
Bildge monkey. Or you have two options, 1. Pay the man. 2. Remove the exhaust/ muffler and proceed.
for me, I choose to support my local SeaRay dealer. I do my plugs, manifolds, Genny impeller and plugs, but the impellers for the 8.1's, I elect to support my dealer. I'm just not that small and flexible for the port motor.
 
On my former 340 (8.1's), the pump clamps were the worst. Once I got them loose, I could "rock" the pump back and forth and pull it out. You are so right - that port pump is a PITA.
 
I use to remove the pump and bracket together. Required the idler pulley bracket to be removed as it shared a mounting bolt. This enables you to pull the pump away from the hoses as opposed to pulling the hoses off of the pump. There is no easy way to pull those hoses off the back of the pump. When reinstalling, lube up the inside of the hoses with dish liquid and push the pump back into position and the hoses will slide right on. Have the black paint ready as there won’t be any on the engine block behind the idler bracket. Good luck. Oh, and take the Advil before you start.

 
Thanks guys. I feel a little better! Thought maybe it was just me.
good stuff here. On the starboard side I did reassemble with dish soap as suggested. I like "take an Advil first". Good stuff keep 'em coming if you got 'em. I will post again after I win.
Going to seriously consider paying the man next time.
 
I have a spare water pump. To change a pump I remove one and put the spare in. Then after a few beers I rebuild the one I took out and the next day I do the other one or a week or so later.
I had a raw water pump fail on a 50 mile crossing at the north end of Vancouver Island. I bought 2 new pumps at Port McNeil. Had them shipped in took 3 days then put both in and rotate them all as required.
 
2000SR380 said:
Thanks guys. I feel a little better! Thought maybe it was just me.
good stuff here. On the starboard side I did reassemble with dish soap as suggested. I like "take an Advil first". Good stuff keep 'em coming if you got 'em. I will post again after I win.
Going to seriously consider paying the man next time.
Click to expand...
If you know Jason Felix, he used to work for MM before they left the area and has his own mobile service business. If you get in a bind, he is good to have on speed dial! Let me know if you want contact info.
 
HUMPH said:
If you know Jason Felix, he used to work for MM before they left the area and has his own mobile service business. If you get in a bind, he is good to have on speed dial! Let me know if you want contact info.
Click to expand...
Thanks Ken! I am going to finish the Port engine this weekend. Now that I have made nearly every possible wrong choice and tried most of the ways that won't work, I am hoping the next time will go much smoother. I am hoping I am just paying the price for getting the education on how to do this job. Keep that number handy though! Just in case.
 
FWIW, I've been told the original mercruiser pump is brass and tends to wear around the impellar. If the pump is old you might want to consider replacing the entire pump so you don't have to deal with this again. The mercruiser pump is expensive. I've been told 650, but it would suck to have to do this job again. Good luck
 
Partyoffive said:
FWIW, I've been told the original mercruiser pump is brass and tends to wear around the impellar. If the pump is old you might want to consider replacing the entire pump so you don't have to deal with this again. The mercruiser pump is expensive. I've been told 650, but it would suck to have to do this job again. Good luck
Click to expand...

I've seen the whole thing dumped in favor of a crank mount pump. 30 minute impeller change.
 
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