time to replace my water pump?

[sti1471]

I just bought a 1984 Larson boat. The guy I bought it from said that he was going to replace the water pump. He told me that he did not think there was anything wrong with the current water pump, but he said it was good to replace the water pump every year. Is this true that it is needed every year on I/O engines?

 

[achris]

Re: time to replace my water pump?

It depends on how much the boat was used and what type of water it was running in. The more often the use the longer the impeller will last (yes, I wrote that right!), but if it's run in silty/sandy/shallow water it will wear the impeller quicker. It's best to check the impeller each year, with a view to replacing it every 2nd year. It's not a difficult job, and good insurance against a cooked engine.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: time to replace my water pump?

Every year is unnecessary unless one has frequently run in very shallow waters, thus increasing risk of sucking up impeller damaging contaminants. I think 2-3 years is acceptable. I have seen several freshwater boats enjoy continued use on 3 to 5 year old pumps without an issue. Replacement intervals are a personal decision, much like changing oil. Do you want to spend the $35 every year for the peace of mind. Some do. Others seem to "get away with it", for a time that is! YMMV.

 

[cr2k]

Re: time to replace my water pump?

Industry recommendation is every other year. If you use it wears, if you don't gets hard (dries out) and takes a set. If it's in a house boat docked year round in fresh water you may get away with up to 4 of 5 years.

 

[sti1471]

Re: time to replace my water pump?

Well I took the water pump off, and one of the "fins" was broken and laying in the pump housing. The boat has not been in the lake for about 5 months. I will I will buy the rebuild kit.