Impeller change

[Cyborg Pirate]

I have searched and cannot find a thread on it. So I am going to ask a question that has been asked before. On our new sumerset House boat I have twin 5.0's with bravo drives. The raw water pump intakes do not have shut off valves on them. How do I change the impellers in the water without having shut off valves? My Searay I change on the boat lift, my drifter has a shut off, and the tour boat I have shut off valves. So I have never had the challenge of changing them with water coming in boat. Any tips on changing them and keeping the water out without pulling an 80ft House boat out of water?

 

[thumpar]

You need to get the hose above the water line when you pull it off the impeller housing. Depending on how low they are you may need a piece of pipe to extend the hose high enough.

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

Haha. See simplest of ideas that work. Thank u.

 

[GA_Boater]

You won't be able to add a through hull valve with the boat in the water, but maybe an inline valve in the hose can be added with minimum water leakage during the change. Something like this valve with the right size threaded barbs to match the hose.



I think you still might get a little wet. :smile:

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

This is a great idea.... And was actually what I had in mind to do. But I was gonna wait to do it when I do a haul out in a few years. The vessel was hauled out and a complete hull survey, hull service, and engine/drive service right before we bought it in October. So I have some time before it gets hauled out again. And there will be a few engine services and impeller changes before then.

 

[bruceb58]

Just get something to plug the end of the hose. You won't get that much water pressure so it doesn't have to be perfect.


These might even work:
http://www.amazon.com/SK-7603-Hose-Pinch-Plier/dp/B0009WRL1K

 

[Scott Danforth]

I use a plastic cap plug. we use them to mask off holes in our paint shop. I have heard of people using a plastic sandwich bag and a rubber band.

 

[shrew]

I've changed mine in the water. It's doable, but probably a bit tougher if you've never done it before. I remove the hose, get it as high as possible, and plug the hole. I twist a ship rag very tight and plug the hole with it. It does tend to weep, but nothing the bilge pump can't take care easily. I would ensure batteries are charged and shore power is connected, bilge pump is tested etc.