Water pump/impeller servicing in Alpha I

[Gunn]

I've read within the forum that most of you seem to have your water impeller in the sterndrive unit serviced or replaced annually. I did not replace mine last season when I purchased the boat and have no clue on its actual age.

So, I want to change the water pump and/or impeller. Should I change the entire waterpump assembly? Over at Stem To Stern, that totals about ~$60, which includes the "Water Pump Assembly" (part 22) for $43 plus the "Impeller" (part 28)for $17. But...they also list a "Rebuild Kit - Waterpump" for $99?? Not sure what to get; the rebuild kit, or the individual parts? :huh: What do you guys do, or would recommend?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[jhild]

Hi Gunn,

I had a problem with your link, so I can't comment on the part #'s etc. If it were me, I'd buy the complete water pump assembly (around $80 for the Merc/Quicksilver version) and be done with it. No sense just replacing the impeller at this point. Might as well switch the whole thing while you're in there.

I think an annual impeller change is overkill. Merc recommends a change every 2-3 years. Most folks with the 3.0/Alpha setup will get at least 3 years out of their impellers. If you replace the whole water pump now, I’d suggest changing the impeller again at the end of your second or third season as part of the winterization process.

 

[H2ONUT]

Look up user name spots1994 on E-Bay. I got mine from him a few weeks ago. It's a GLM water pump kit, it includes EVERYTHING... upper, lower housings, seals, gaskets, etc...

$41.99 Buy it Now and $7.50 for shipping. Comes out of NJ.

 

[wish2fish]

you shouldn't have to replace the entire pump unless something damaged the entire unit.

 

[Sea Ray 300]

Hi Gunn, If it were me, I'd buy the complete water pump assembly (around $80 for the Merc/Quicksilver version) and be done with it. No sense just replacing the impeller at this point. Might as well switch the whole thing while you're in there.
I think an annual impeller change is overkill. Merc recommends a change every 2-3 years. Most folks with the 3.0/Alpha setup will get at least 3 years out of their impellers. If you replace the whole water pump now, I’d suggest changing the impeller again at the end of your second or third season as part of the winterization process.

John is right.
The pump impeller develops a "set", and should be changed every 2nd season.
And if your going to go to the effort of changing the impeller, why wouldn't you change the "scratched" housing at the same time?

 

[Luckydogs]

Since we're on the topic. I'm not very mechanically inclined :smt009 but I thought it was time to learn and save some money, what a mistake :smt018 . Not familiar with the 4.3's and Alpha I, I dove in and attempted to change out the impellers. Funny thing is, they were'nt in the location I took forever getting to :smt013 . I pulled the water pump off the front of the engine and that's when I found out the impeller is in the lower unit :huh: . So, I ran back down to the auto parts store and got a set of gaskets and replaced the water pump, I'll found out this weekend if everything is sealed :smt017 . I'm calling my mechanic tomorrow to finish the job correctly. Not a total waste of time, I got to get dirty and got somewhat familiar with the engine.

 

[Gunn]

Not a total waste of time, I got to get dirty and got somewhat familiar with the engine.

See, and that's how you learn! :grin: I'm not intimidated by mechanical devices at all, I think it's because of the fact I've not been afraid to tear them apart and put 'em back together. Maybe thats why I'm an engineer today? Was the gopher for my Dad way back when; now I have to get everything myself. My daughters are already learning their way around the garage (and they're only 5 and 3!). I'm a little bit smarter these days that now I have lots of how-to manuals so I really know whats in store before I actually do it. And in most cases, the how-to guides make them sound harder than they actually are. And add to the fact that I trust no one (if you want it done right, do it yourself), and there you have it. Anyway....

Thanks for the info; I think I will replace the whole assemby; I'll already have it cracked open anyway, and just for piece of mind since I have no clue of past history.

Tom