When to change impeller

[kaliona]

Mercruiser, 165hp I/O
Is it a good idea to change the impeller EVERY year regardless of how many hours the boat has been used since the last impeller change? What if it sits idle more than actually running throughout the year. Does that make any difference? The last time I changed my impeller was 2 years ago, but only a total of about 40 hours actual running time. I changed it 2 years ago because my temp was was gradually getting higher than normal. Maybe I won't be so lucky next time with this type of indication that the impeller is going bad. I just dread the thought of the impeller going completely bad while out on the water miles from the dock.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: When to change impeller

I think the suggested time is maybe two or three years. But certainly doesn't hurt to do it more often. Beats the heck outa having a failure out in the middle of nowhere. If your impeller shows wear when you replace it, your doing it on the right schedule. If it looks mint, then maybe you could go another year. Your choice. At least your aware- lots of folks aren't, and they go way past the point of no return.

 

[Bondo]

Re: When to change impeller

Ayuh,... I probably do mine every 3rd, or 4th,...

Or at the 1st sign of a Problem....

 

[paisa_joe]

Re: When to change impeller

2-3 years max, but if you see signs of it needing replacement I would do it. I had mine fail this summer and overheated the engine. Not a cheap fix. Preventive Maintance is the key. 

 

[98Shabah]

Re: When to change impeller

It seems the impeller changing frequency has a lot to do with the amount of use the boat gets, the places it gets used, and whether or not it's abused by running it dry.

After reading on here about impeller disasters I decided to replace the impeller in my Alpha I Gen II for the first time in it's 12 year / 200 hour freshwater life. The original didn't even have any cracks in the rubber. Of course, this may be just as rare of a case as an impeller falling apart within a year..

 

[TiredoleBoy]

Re: When to change impeller

Mercruiser, 165hp I/O
Is it a good idea to change the impeller EVERY year regardless of how many hours the boat has been used since the last impeller change? What if it sits idle more than actually running throughout the year. Does that make any difference? The last time I changed my impeller was 2 years ago, but only a total of about 40 hours actual running time. I changed it 2 years ago because my temp was was gradually getting higher than normal. Maybe I won't be so lucky next time with this type of indication that the impeller is going bad. I just dread the thought of the impeller going completely bad while out on the water miles from the dock.

I would imagine if it was not run much,wear could still occur by the impeller drying out.

 

[kaliona]

Re: When to change impeller

I guess for a $40 part and a couple hours of my time (I go slow to make sure I do it right), changing it every couple of years would give me less worries and piece of mind.