Sterndrive impeller replacement while on water

reinell180

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Aug 7, 2011
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Hi, I have a houseboat with a 91 omc sterndrive with a 3.0 litre engine, engine overheated and no water flow was present to engine. I am not able to pull the boat out of the water and my question is would it be possible to replace the drive impeller on the lake? Thanks!
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Welcome aboard.

the answer to your question is no. At least not easy. you have to separate the lower unit from the upper unit while in the water. the fact that this is a houseboat, the lower will fight you the entire time. if you do get it free, it may go shooting to the bottom of the lake. not to mention trying to fight it while bobing in the water.

time for a pull-out.

unless your motor was converted to an engine driven raw water pump.
 

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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You should be able to do it. I have replaced one at the ramp before. You will have to get wet doing it but its just a few bolt job. Take the back cover off and then take the impeller housing off and its right there.
 

fhhuber

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Possible.... yes.
Easy.. no.

Just about anything is possible...

Tie a rope to the lower end just ahead of the prop, so you don't lose it.

and better bring spare bolts...
 

bruceb58

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Possible.... yes.
Easy.. no.

Just about anything is possible...

Tie a rope to the lower end just ahead of the prop, so you don't lose it.

and better bring spare bolts...
This is a Cobra drive!!!!!! This is a relatively easy thing. The drive does NOT need to be separated!

6 screws total. Like I said, I have done it at the launch ramp. Takes 20 minutes if you are slow!
 
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reinell180

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Thanks for all of your timely responses, and sharing your knowledge! The drive will trim quite a bit upwards, my main concern was water entering the area between upper and lower unit. I didn't know if this area had any oil seals. Once again thanks !
 

bruceb58

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Thanks for all of your timely responses, and sharing your knowledge! The drive will trim quite a bit upwards, my main concern was water entering the area between upper and lower unit. I didn't know if this area had any oil seals. Once again thanks !
You have a Cobra drive right? Cobras were built between 1986 until OMC got bought by Volvo in 1994.

You have been led astray by a few of the posters on here if you do. The impeller is mounted underneath the rear cover so the upper/lower unit oil passage is not a concern.
 
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