4.3GL impeller change questions

[lonewolf41]

I'm replacing the impeller on my 1998 4.3L GL motor. The kit has two black rubber "plugs" in it (shown in the middle of the gaskets). Where do they go?

Secondly, 2 of the gaskets are very similar. The existing one on mine looks like the one on the left, but I don't know why the one on the right wouldn't work as well. One of the reasons I ask is because at the end of the season, I will take out the impeller for storage. Can I use the gasket on the right when reinstalling it next year? The extra material is external to the pump except for the area at the top. The one on the left just has more material dividing the input/output ports at the top. I don't know why either wouldn't work well. I guess I could actually cut the one on the right to make it the same as the one on the left if it is that critical.

TIA,
-Keith

 

[bruceb58]

Personally, I would just leave the impeller in there and not mess with it. Just change it every 2 or 3 years and leave it at that.

 

[lonewolf41]

OK, definitely an option. What about the black plugs? Anyone know what to do with them?

Thanks.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Impellers are usually packaged to work with several different engine models, and therefore may include parts not necessary for your particular setup. If you currently don't use those plugs anywhere, then they aren't needed. (but hold onto them just in case later you realize you need them!)

 

[HalfFish5087]

OK, definitely an option. What about the black plugs? Anyone know what to do with them?

Thanks.

The black plugs go on the impeller on opposite side of the shaft. I believe mine only had room for one plug, but I could be wrong.

 

[dypcdiver]

I have run mine with and without the plug, some kits include them and some don't, even under the same part number. I have noticed no difference.

 

[turbinesurgeon]

I put some marine grease on the shaft and impeller hub. Next I put on the two plugs. I believe those plugs are to keep the impeller from floating back and forth inside the pump.

 

[lonewolf41]

Just to close this out, I got one of the run-dry impellers and it did not come with any of the little plugs, so i didn't put any back in. It seems to run fine...in fact, if anything, it runs cool at high speed (120 or so). I will open another thread about that. Thanks for the input. just wanted to make sure I didn't leave out something critical or add something that was going to mess up the system.