When to change impeller?

[TulsaTime]

Debating on whether or not to replace the raw water impeller this year. This boat only has 25 hours on it. We bought this boat at the end of last season and used it a few times before winterizing it. If I do tackle replacing the impeller, I have another problem. Accessing it is a problem because the back bench seat is installed really closely to the impeller location Do I have to remove the bench seat to get to it or play contortionist? If I have to remove the bench seat, how do I do that w/o tearing something up?

Thanks! Almost time to make a big splash!

Boat: 2006 Stingray 185LS, 3.0L Volvo w/ SX outdrive.

 

[Don S]

Re: When to change impeller?

Those impellers should be replaced every other year. Doesn't really matter how many hours of use, they are still all bent over in one position and won't straighten out after so old.

 

[Black as]

Re: When to change impeller?

Most motor manufacturers recommend that you change your impeller once a year. Many people do this as a part of their annual spring maintenance or winterizing. This is a very inexpensive part that can help keep your engine working properly. If it stops working and you don't notice really soon you might find yourself shopping for a new motor

Recommendations I received by a marine mechanic is

Salt water, change every year. Fresh, every two. Long periods of disuse, every 2.

Keep em wet by using them a lot, they last up to 3 years.

Two is a good rule of thumb.

 

[Bondo]

Re: When to change impeller?

I have another problem. Accessing it is a problem because the back bench seat is installed really closely to the impeller location Do I have to remove the bench seat to get to it or play contortionist? If I have to remove the bench seat, how do I do that w/o tearing something up?

Ayuh,... Ya gotta do, Whatever it takes, to gain access...

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: When to change impeller?

I thought the impeller was in the drive unit, Not in the front of the engine. Mine is in the drive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: When to change impeller?

I thought the impeller was in the drive unit, Not in the front of the engine. Mine is in the drive.

Ayuh,... My guess is, You don't have a Volvo...

 

[TulsaTime]

Re: When to change impeller?

Thanks for the information. I looked on iboats to order a new impeller and it says "thru dealer"...which means more expensive.
Does anyone know where I can get one on the aftermarket?

 

[wingless]

Re: When to change impeller?

There is a cadre of trolls and bullies who are intollerant that I follow the printed documentation from the factory engineers for my boat, as defined in the FSM.

My FSM specifies to inspect for raw water flow after starting the engine.

That has been my practice for the many years that I have owned the boat and the results have been outstanding!

That practice has identified every impeller failure at a very early stage, with a small section detached. But, of greater importance, every failure was detected prior to getting underway.

Every one of the obsessed trolls who objects to my practice has also posted on-line stories of impeller failures underway. Those are good for some deep belly laughs! Keep those stories coming.

My impeller life has varied all over the map, some lasting a year, some lasting many years. My guess is water crud affecting the life when they didn't last as long.

My recommendation is to follow the printed FSM. It has worked for me.