Alpha 1 Impeller 1984 Merc 5.0

[rheyboer]

I have read several other threads and looked at links that have been provided, but am still debating whether on not to do it. Seems like it goes well for some but others get stuck. While I'm not afraid to change plugs or a starter, I'm a little leary to mess with something I've never seen done. Local Merc guy wants $200. Says labor is 90 minutes. I've had the boat 4 years maybe 130 hours;freshwater. Don't know when previous owner messed with it, but he was a maintenance freak (owned a plane) so lets guess it's been 8 years 200 hours. Will the temp gauge give me a decent warning that it's going bad or does it just go? Runs at 150 degrees now.

Also, I am looking at the iboats site. Do I want a mallory impeller or the regular. I'm guessing I'll need the repair kit and not just an impeller? Should I change anything else while I'm poking around? Anyone around Chicago going to change theirs and want me to assist(bring good beer and leave promptly)? I'm not usually so spineless, but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. Easy job or PITA?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha 1 Impeller 1984 Merc 5.0

It's very doable....
If you haven't had the drive off you need to lube the ujoints anyway.....
The impeller is pretty standard....
Change it before you have to.....http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf​

 

[thrasher]

Re: Alpha 1 Impeller 1984 Merc 5.0

4 months ago I had never owned or worked on a boat. I have now taken my outdrive of 3 times, removed my engine once and changed the impellor. It was all very intimidating, but once started, really very easy.. Just make sure you have a very good service manual.. It really is not complicated.
Someone posted a link for changing the impellor that was really helpfull as it told you which way to rotate the impellor shaft when fitting the impellor housing over the impellor (it was not obvious to me which way the shaft would normally turn). It took me 2 hours to change the impellor, just make sure you buy the correct pump to refill the outdrive with oil afterwards..

I would definately do it yourself, it's not difficult and it gives you the opportunity to see how everything works and check other parts. I took off my outdrive to check the bellows and found the gimbal bearing was trash.. I then discovered there was a grease nipple on the outside of the drive to lubricate the gimbal bearing which I would never have known about otherwise!

Do it yourself and be proud of your boat and your workmanship..

Gary

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Impeller 1984 Merc 5.0

Another reason to remove your drive is to lube the coupler splines. Otherwise you will be replacing a coupler (Engine Pull)
Give it a try. The worst that can happen is it won't work. If you don't force things, they won't break. Ask, try, and take your time............ You have all winter.
If all else fails, you know your dealer will do the job.

 

[wcsparky05]

Re: Alpha 1 Impeller 1984 Merc 5.0

it's funny reading this cause i just got my feet wet 2 yrs ago and was in your shoes. extremely intimidated! get your manual or find it online. you can do it! my seloc merc book was extremely helpful. just remember you shouldn't have to force anything together. if you do retrace your steps. i had a problem my first time (impeller) with the flat spot on the shaft where the little key part goes. just knew something wasn't right. you will never learn if you don't do it yourself!
Also, i'm not positive if this is true but i was told to make sure the splines on the new impeller were bending in the correct direction or even under the force of the water it may not turn and you could burn up your engine. good luck.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha 1 Impeller 1984 Merc 5.0

You do not need to worry about the direction of the impeller vanes on an Alpha Gen 1.....
They will right themselves as sonn as you turn the key.....