Don Disalvo
Cadet
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2020
- Messages
- 6
I have a 2010 Sea Ray 250SLX with 496 Mag (base) DTS B3 Engine Serial 1A350455. Total hours 170. Sea Water Pump part number 862914T12. Boat is stored on a boat lift in the summer over salt water. Stored in non heated garage with multiple moisture packs.
I purchased it in 2018 with 120 hours. I was given full maintenance records which included sea water pump impeller change at 106 hours.
After launching the boat a couple of weeks ago, I had the Guardian system kick in at WOT (4900rpm) after about 5-7 seconds. Not too specific of a warning message but just remember "if persists take it to the dealer". Engine was not overheating, 170, oil pressure good, everything checked out so I continue at cruise speed and everything feels normal. Bring it back to WOT and indeed Guardian to the rescue. This time I had set the smartcraft gauge to show water pressure and at WOT I only saw 5psi. I quickly came to the realization that my impeller was shot. No biggy, just a little surprised that the new impeller only lasted 64 hours but summarized it must be from the salt water versus fresh water where my boat previous owner boated on.
Searched the forum and felt confident that it was a doable project although I knew it was going to be a PITA. Your forum is a great resource so I have to thank all you guys who have nothing better to do than to help out other boaters like me.
Removed the pump and I realized that it was the original impeller. I felt like a tool. Note to all new boat owners. If you ever buy a used boat, SERVICE the boat and change all critical parts including the impeller. Gives you a guaranteed starting point and takes the guess work out of diagnosing problems that will happen.
The removal: I love the quick connect feature on the inlet hose. I hate the location of the cool fuel system, still scratching my head as to why they made servicing the boat so difficult. The pump end plate looked to be in excellent condition. I was surprised how easily I was able to slap the new impeller in. I use a good water based personal lubricant that my wife loves, so I though it would make my boat happy too! I got it back together and was not able to reconnect the gray plastic air hose. I guess the fitting was broken or I broke it upon removing it. I didn't think it would make much of a difference so I decided to start the boat and see what happens. Everything looked good, got decent water psi at idle. At sea trial at WOT and Captains choice exhaust closed, I had no issues and Guardian stayed quiet. Happy I decided to open the Exhaust and at WOT and Guardian system activates. I noticed that with exhaust closed I got around 5 psi and 4.8 with exhaust open. I return back to my slip and mentally conclude that air must be cavitating the impeller through the air fitting that was not able to be connected.
I just finishing installing the 2 new air fittings and got my pump back together. I start the engine and everything looks good. It's late and super choppy and and decide to sea trial tomorrow. I check to make sure that the air drain system is working correctly and notice that the port side drains nicely and has green indicator come out, but the starboard ( sea pump) side feels like it's blocked and does not drain the pump. The green indicator does not extend like the port side.
Is it possible that I reversed the 2 lines? Anyone have any other suggestions as to how I screwed this one up?
The boat has never let me down before and I would easily be able to hit WOT with both closed and open exhaust without any issues. With a new impeller I thought for sure I should get over 10psi at WOT, but now I am second guessing a few things.
I will see how the sea trial goes tomorrow and report back, but my instinct is telling me that my situation is far from over...
I purchased it in 2018 with 120 hours. I was given full maintenance records which included sea water pump impeller change at 106 hours.
After launching the boat a couple of weeks ago, I had the Guardian system kick in at WOT (4900rpm) after about 5-7 seconds. Not too specific of a warning message but just remember "if persists take it to the dealer". Engine was not overheating, 170, oil pressure good, everything checked out so I continue at cruise speed and everything feels normal. Bring it back to WOT and indeed Guardian to the rescue. This time I had set the smartcraft gauge to show water pressure and at WOT I only saw 5psi. I quickly came to the realization that my impeller was shot. No biggy, just a little surprised that the new impeller only lasted 64 hours but summarized it must be from the salt water versus fresh water where my boat previous owner boated on.
Searched the forum and felt confident that it was a doable project although I knew it was going to be a PITA. Your forum is a great resource so I have to thank all you guys who have nothing better to do than to help out other boaters like me.
Removed the pump and I realized that it was the original impeller. I felt like a tool. Note to all new boat owners. If you ever buy a used boat, SERVICE the boat and change all critical parts including the impeller. Gives you a guaranteed starting point and takes the guess work out of diagnosing problems that will happen.
The removal: I love the quick connect feature on the inlet hose. I hate the location of the cool fuel system, still scratching my head as to why they made servicing the boat so difficult. The pump end plate looked to be in excellent condition. I was surprised how easily I was able to slap the new impeller in. I use a good water based personal lubricant that my wife loves, so I though it would make my boat happy too! I got it back together and was not able to reconnect the gray plastic air hose. I guess the fitting was broken or I broke it upon removing it. I didn't think it would make much of a difference so I decided to start the boat and see what happens. Everything looked good, got decent water psi at idle. At sea trial at WOT and Captains choice exhaust closed, I had no issues and Guardian stayed quiet. Happy I decided to open the Exhaust and at WOT and Guardian system activates. I noticed that with exhaust closed I got around 5 psi and 4.8 with exhaust open. I return back to my slip and mentally conclude that air must be cavitating the impeller through the air fitting that was not able to be connected.
I just finishing installing the 2 new air fittings and got my pump back together. I start the engine and everything looks good. It's late and super choppy and and decide to sea trial tomorrow. I check to make sure that the air drain system is working correctly and notice that the port side drains nicely and has green indicator come out, but the starboard ( sea pump) side feels like it's blocked and does not drain the pump. The green indicator does not extend like the port side.
Is it possible that I reversed the 2 lines? Anyone have any other suggestions as to how I screwed this one up?
The boat has never let me down before and I would easily be able to hit WOT with both closed and open exhaust without any issues. With a new impeller I thought for sure I should get over 10psi at WOT, but now I am second guessing a few things.
I will see how the sea trial goes tomorrow and report back, but my instinct is telling me that my situation is far from over...
