Impeller Install

[DDD]

Putting a new impeller in my Kohler generator.

Wondering if I should put any type of lube on the impeller and/or O-ring gasket.
Reading instructions on silicone, and it say "flammable", so I didn't want to use it without checking.

While I have your attention...
the coolant overflow container on the generator has a 1/8 in hose in it.
How far in should this tube be inserted into the container?

As always, thanks for your input!

 

[WDCboater]

I just did a Kohler 5kw impeller change last weekend. (2010 350) I asked the techs at my dealer before changing it. They didn't mention any lube. All I did was remove the plate, pull out the old impeller. (Make sure you get all loose pieces) I then put in the new one, replaced the o ring and closed it up. Powered it up and worked like a charm.

My overflow hose only goes in a couple of inches if I recall.

 

[blaster]

I would maybe use a little liquid soap or glycerine.

 

[HomePort]

I replaced the impeller this past weekend on my friends 500 DA. I used a little vaseline to lube the impeller but other household products, like olive oil, work as well. Of course, there are commercial products but, from what I've been told by the pros, they're not necessary.

Changing the impeller on the Khol generator is easier than on, at least in my case, a Cummins engine because the housing for the impeller on the genset comes off making the impeller easy to change, whereas, on my engines, the plate cover comes off and the impeller sits in it's housing so you need a Jabsco impeller removal tool to pry it out. I'm sure it can be done with a needle nose pliers but it might be harder.

Good luck!

 

[rpasquarello]

Believe it or not, Windex from a spray bottle works, too!

 

[jason78]

Use Dawn Dish Soap. Just wipe it all over the impeller then insert in water pump. It will help you get it installed and will help lubricate it during the dry start. Petroleum based lubricants can break down the rubber and you will be changing the impeller again.

 

[Petes Sea Ray]

Use Dawn Dish Soap. Just wipe it all over the impeller then insert in water pump. It will help you get it installed and will help lubricate it during the dry start. Petroleum based lubricants can break down the rubber and you will be changing the impeller again. X2

 

[DDD]

Thanks!
I have heard of the dish soap idea before.

Any other thoughts on the tube depth on the overflow container?
I thought I remembered reading somewhere that it is supposed to be in the bottle 1/4 of the container... but I can't find where I read that.

 

[rondds]

O-ring could use a little plumbers silicone. It's sticky and will hold it in place and it will allow for a better mating of the two surfaces. You can get this in Home Depot. Good to have on a boat - helps keep the rubber gasket around hatches supple too...

 

[HomePort]

Good to know - about petroleum based products.

 

[JimFromMD]

Make sure you see which way the impeller is spinning and that the fins are all going in the right direction. A friend told me a trick of taking a small zip tie and using that on the outter edge of the impeller to compress the fins and get them going in the right direction. You can then get it started into the housing, and once in far enough, clip the zip tie and you're good to go. Push it the rest of the way in and seal it up.

 

[Sous]

Make sure you see which way the impeller is spinning and that the fins are all going in the right direction. A friend told me a trick of taking a small zip tie and using that on the outter edge of the impeller to compress the fins and get them going in the right direction. You can then get it started into the housing, and once in far enough, clip the zip tie and you're good to go. Push it the rest of the way in and seal it up.

the zip tie trick works wonders... makes a 10 minute grunt and groan fest into a 30 job!! :thumbsup:

 

[Kreole Kid]

I just changed my Gennie impeller last night, Literally a 10 minute job and I didn't use any soap or lubricant. Hardest part was getting to the stern, Damn my back hurts.

 

[Bucit]

I use the dawn soap as well. Changing mine this weekend. Really an easy job and the soap allows the impeller to slide right in. It even makes cool bubbles out of the exhaust when you first start it. :grin: