Water Pump life expectance ?

[roehrle]

I have a 9.9Hp 4 stroke and I'm on my third impeller since 1997. That seems to be pretty poor, specially since it is on a sailboat that doesn't get used that much. Not an easy replacement job either. Thoughts?

 

[gm280]

Well :welcome: aboard roehrle. Nice to have you join us here at iboats...

You asked a question that gets asked a few times nearly every month on here. The simple answer is, there is no answer to that question. Too many variables to give a positive definitive simple answer. It depends on fresh water or salt water, the hours of usage, the type of water that flows through the setup (sandy or clear) and so many other things come into play. Some folks replace theirs every other year. And some go longer, while others change theirs yearly. So if you have any doubts about yours, just go ahead and change it and have piece of mind... That really is all I can say... Others will have their suggestions and reply here soon also.

 

[racerone]

Model # of your motor.-------Many folks learn about impeller replacement the hard way.----That is by means of an empty wallet.---------On many motors the replacement of the impeller is very easy to do !!!

 

[roehrle]

My motor is an Evinrude E10freleu. I have worked on lots of cars in my 85 years and I would not consider this impeller to be easy to replace. The water tube that runs up to to motor is a pain to get in.and aligned correctly.

 

[vasy]

This is once every 6 years for you. I'd say not bad.
Few people suggest replacing it every 2-3 seasons, depending on the hours you put though it of course.

 

[racerone]

On that motor I consider it to be an easy job.----Disconnect the shift linkage and 6 screws and the lower unit is off.---Water tube should stay in the engine.

 

[roehrle]

The last time 4 year ago, the water tube came out of the motor. I guess it would have been easier if I stuck the water tube in first. . I probably put less than10 miles a year on the motor.Only use it when the wind dieds. In the upper Delaware river the impeller shouldn't wear that fast.If it was metal it would last a lot longer.It seems a strange place to be saving a few cents on a part.I think they might sell a metal part ??.

 

[OptsyEagle]

I change mine every 5 years, regardless of use. I believe just time in the pump housing cup will degrade your impeller's ability to sling water, as does use, so in either case of either heavy use or none at all, an impeller should be changed every 5 years. You don't want to wait until it fails since for many motors there is very little warning, so if it has been 5 years, change it.

 

[GA_Boater]

Lack of use is harder on impellers than a lot of use. And the impeller is rubber because more than water gets pumped. A lot of abrasive silt and sand gets moved with the water. A metal pump wouldn't last very long. So it's a necessary evil to replace a 10-20 dollar piece of rubber every couple of years for peace of mind and to keep the motor cooled.