F150 4-banger water pump

[angler53]

I've been noticing lately that the water flow out the pilot hole is strong but it's (for the lack of a better term) sputtering. I mean, it has a short break in the flow. I'm guessing maybe two seconds in ten.
The boat does have a pressure gage and it holds between 18 and 20 psi at cruse power, but it oscillates about 2 psi +/-.
I see that a water pump repair kit is only about $60 and it doesn't appear to be all that complicated of a job to do.
Wouldn't it be smart to just replace the Impeller, if for nothing else but peace of mind.
It just went over 150 hours time in service. I run in muddy water a lot, if that really means anything, and I've started the motor a few times with the prop out of the water :redface:
I sure would appreciate another opinion in this matter.

 

[cousinabe]

Re: F150 4-banger water pump

change it, it's time.
fyi, running it out of the water usually burns up the impeller in 30s.
I usually replace every 2-3 seasons as a prevent maint item... sometimes if it's been there too long, corrosion makes it tough to change it out.

 

[Mas]

Re: F150 4-banger water pump

Also, I believe a chromium plated water pump kit is available for muddy waters!

MAS

 

[angler53]

Re: F150 4-banger water pump

Job complete and it wasn't too hard except for that woodruff key. What was these people thinking. I can't figure why such tight tolerances just to hold a plastic part. I had to drill holes in that thing, crush it in and dig it out, a piece at a time. It took me over an hour to get it out.