How often to change impellers

[artburr]

Queastion: How often do YOU check or change waterpump impellers? Once a year? When there appears to be a problem? Or?? (No dealers or repair services, please.)

 

[JB]

Re: How often to change impellers

I know that some folks wait 'til there is trouble to change impellers, Art. Unfortunately the trouble often reaches far beyond a failed impeller and occurs at the most inopportune times.<br /><br />Impellers don't cost a mint and replacing one is not hard and is a routine part of seasonal maintenance in my book.<br /><br />I wouldn't wait more than 2 seasons between replacements. Good insurance.

 

[artburr]

Re: How often to change impellers

Thanks JB. On My Nissan 40C it seems to be a pretty expensive proposition.

 

[artburr]

Re: How often to change impellers

My son came up with some intersting info on engine maintenance, including replacement of impellers, here:<br /> http://www.uaf.edu/seagrant/boatkeeper/outboards-maintenance.pdf

 

[ziemann]

Re: How often to change impellers

This article has some good information in it. You can anticipate earlier impeller replacment if you are running through alot of crap or sand that is going to wear the impeller out. Remember that it is rubber so it doesn't take that much to wear it out. However, if your outboard is only operating in clear fresh water, it will last a very long time. You can run for several years. I just replaced mine after 2 years and found that there was very little wear on it. I certainly didn't need to replace it, but since I had it apart... I have a Nissan 50 TLDI, and it is a simple replacement. <br /><br />I suppose cost is relative...but I have not found impellor kits to be all that expensive.

 

[Capn Kirk]

Re: How often to change impellers

I once had a 80hp mercury,ran it 8 or more years never changing impeller{if it aint broke dont fix it}attitude.Doesnt apply here!Slowly without realizing it was lowering in pressure till I found water seeping in a cylinder. Junked motor! A very good mechanic told me 3 years is average.I own a 90hp honda,troll 500 plus hrs 10 month a year and will be changing it next mont[3 yrs]Also sitting around and not using the motor dry rots the rubber in time.I say 3 years no matter what.

 

[steelespike]

Re: How often to change impellers

I went 17 years on an 88 Evinrude 50.light use,clean water,still had a strong stream.I changed it because it is nuts to go that long.<br />I overlooked it till suddenly realizing it hadn't been serviced.I sure would go with 3 to 5 years under normal service.Of course we all need to be aware of any overheat symtoms from our motors.<br /> Are there any actual factory recomendations<br />for impeller replacement?

 

[MajBach]

Re: How often to change impellers

I am on my 6th season with my factory installed impellor on my Honda 90 and I drive far above average hours. However, I still would not recommend copying this. It will be the first thing that gets done before the motor sees water this year. (I've also gotten lucky with my timing belts on my Accord and Prelude - double the recommended interval).

 

[artburr]

Re: How often to change impellers

I really appreciate the input. I have arranged to have my impellers changed shortly.