Water pump question

[CaptainTerry]

I have heard that water pumps do not last much more than 3-5 years (mine is in that range at least) I have had it 4 years and never done anything to it. I am worried it may just all of a sudden fail. I just purchased a rebuild kit and I was wondering if it is a simple process. I have the seloc manual.
Would you recommend to just do it now, or wait till failure?
If I wait, can it be done at the lake?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Water pump question

Think about what you just said and you'll have your answer, it is not an easy task to perform on the water without even knowing what you have.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Water pump question

what motor do you have, depends on how easy it is. best to do it before you go. impellers go when they want to, 99% it is the most inopportune time for you. i started my motor on muffs one morning, get water stream, got to the ramp, launched, started the motor, no stream, impeller went out.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Water pump question

At least you had a tell tale stream, my evinrude sportfour doesn't even have that but I can still tell if it's pumping by looking for the spray out the upper exhaust.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Water pump question

Impeller Rule of Thumb: If you're wondering whether or not to replace the impeller, you should replace the impeller.

 

[CaptainTerry]

Re: Water pump question

OH YEA! it's a 70hp 1989 sorry I didn't mention that.
Am I right about 3-5 year replace?
How hard or simple will it be?
Anything else I need to do at that time?
I have never been into the lower unit, so I am a little worried about doing it. There are no Boat shops anywhere close to my town so I have to do it myself.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Water pump question

What's your mechanical aptitude?

It's a simple procedure as far as I'm concerned. I know for my dad (couldn't hold a tool w/o it biting him) it would have been next to impossible. I'm guessing you're someplace in between.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Water pump question

Not that difficult. Just take your time. As said, if you are wondering about changing it then you should !!!!