1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

[chad101]

I used www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com as reference for ordering new parts. This is a great site; I cannot thank the author enough for sharing this information.

While I was tearing apart the gear housing, I noticed some differences with the replacement part (NAPA Part Number 18-3001). For instance, the old impeller fins are curved and the outer diameter is slightly smaller. Also, I had hard time sliding the impeller housing over the new impeller. Should this be expected or did I do something wrong? The drive shaft (which rotated with very little ease) is very hard to turn now.

Also, since I have the gear housing torn apart, is their any preventive maintenance I should consider?

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

The old fins are curved from being in the housing for so long, new ones are always straight and can be tricky to install cause they are new and the fins are straight, they will eventually curl too.

The gear housing is off, not apart correct?

What horsepower?

 

[chad101]

Re: 1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

The gear housing is off, not apart correct?

What horsepower?

I apologize; the gear housing was removed (but not torn apart). I only removed the drive shaft, impeller housing, impeller, and water pump plate from the gear housing.

It?s a 1956 3HP Litetwin.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

It's normal for a new impeller to fit tightly. Best way is to slip the impeller on the shaft, pull it down and seat the driveshaft key in the impeller groove, put the pump cover on the shaft and pull it down to the impeller. Then grab the driveshaft and turn it clockwise while pushing the pump cover down over the impeller and into place. Then install and snug down the screws. Some folks dab a bit of dishwashing liquid soap on the tips of the impeller arms to lube it a bit. Those little Lightwins are great...they run like a top when everything is right.

 

[chad101]

Re: 1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

Awesome! Glad to hear this is a normal process. What about greasing any movable parts? Since I have the gear housing off, should I take an extra step of two? Anything worth inspecting (or cleaning) at this point?

 

[chad101]

Re: 1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

Signature- If you have fuel and spark- Have you checked compression?

What tool(s) are used to check compression? I don't have any compression problems (that I'm aware of); but I plan on keeping this outboard for a very long time. Never know...

 

[F_R]

Re: 1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

I apologize; the gear housing was removed (but not torn apart). I only removed the drive shaft, impeller housing, impeller, and water pump plate from the gear housing.

It?s a 1956 3HP Litetwin.

You pulled the shaft out of the housing and got it back in? Congratulations, you are smarter than the average bear. Most people can't figure out the trick to getttng them back in. But yes it can be done.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

Standard psi compression tester- screw in style, available at most auto stores.

 

[chad101]

Re: 1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

You pulled the shaft out of the housing and got it back in? Congratulations, you are smarter than the average bear. Most people can't figure out the trick to getttng them back in. But yes it can be done.

It was a little tricky but I got it back in. I applied downward pressure on the shaft while I turned the prop and it slipped back in.

 

[chad101]

Re: 1956 Evinrude - New Impeller (tight fit?)

Standard psi compression tester- screw in style, available at most auto stores.

Thank you