Re: Need Help with water pump impeller
Don't matter if it's a Force or a Merc.
Just put the impeller on the shaft (with the key in place of course) and turn the driveshaft clockwise while you lower the water pump body onto the impeller.
If you prefer to put the impeller in the water pump body first, while holding the pump body in one hand, rotate the impeller COUNTERCLOCKWISE as you're inserting into the pump body with your other hand. Remember, you just turned the pump upside down, so you're looking at it backwards.
Now, with the impeller installed in the pump body, slide the whole assy down the driveshaft until you get to the impeller key. Make sure the slot/keyway in the impeller lines up with the impeller key, and work the impeller/pump assy onto the key.
Once you have installed the water pump cover bolts, make sure the driveshaft and impeller spin freely.
Note that you should have lubed-up the impeller, silicone grease or spray will work nicely for this.
There you have it, (2) different ways to get the impeller installed, whichever you prefer. But both ways end up with the impeller vanes pointing in the correct direction.
The other poster is correct in that the blades will typically 'right' themselves once the motor starts, but why not do it the right way in the first place!!!