15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

aussie01

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Sep 1, 2007
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Model # 15904E

I am replacing the impeller on my old 15hp Evinrude. I have lowered the lower end and noticed 2 things. The shift rod has a bend on the lower inch or so where it goes into the connector, is this normal? (I have only used the motor once and it did seem to shift F-N-R okay) and then secondly, should there be any water in the empty chambers that you see when you drop the lower end? I have water in the front chamber where the shift rod connector is. The chamber on the other side of the water pump (prop side) is dry.
 

ezeke

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Sep 19, 2003
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Re: 15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

The shift rod has a bend in it as it comes to the gearcase; you can see it in the gearcase parts diagram for your motor here: http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=e

The opening below the water pump is the water intake, The one in front of the water pump is drainage, but should have a small drain hole on the side of the case near the bottom of the cavity. They get clogged up, but need to be kept open.

The cavity behind the water pump leads to the exhaust, where water and exhaust vent through the prop.
 

aussie01

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Re: 15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

thanks for the quick reply. One more question, the blades of my new impeller need to be curled to fit in the pump cup, I don't remember which way the old ones went. Which way do I curl the impeller blades?
 

ezeke

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Re: 15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

THe driveshaft will always turn clockwise, dragging the blades of the impeller as it goes.

When you have the impeller in place on the driveshaft, push down on the impeller housing while turning the shaft clockwise and everything will line up correctly.

If you get resistance, a little liquid soap will help to lubricate.
 

aussie01

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Re: 15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

ok thanks, now back to that drain. Does that chamber just gravity feed out the drain hole? The outside of the hole did have a bunch of gunk which I dug out , but if I put water in that chamber it is still not draining. Are there any tricks to clearing the inside of the drain?
 

ezeke

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Re: 15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

Make sure that there is a drain hole and that it is open. They make the cavities to reduce weight. If the hole is clogged in a latitude where it freezes, the frozen water can split the gearcase.

I've seen the drain holes sealed by owners who thought they shouldn't be there.
 

aussie01

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Re: 15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

I'm coastal San Diego, so freezing is not really a problem. I finally got it cleared, I just don't think it had ever been cleared before, there was a lot of loose gunk in the chamber and the drain passage was solid. I cleared the drain exit hole and eventually found the top of the vertical passage, ground an edge on a welding rod and put it in my cordless drill and worked my way through solid gunk. Drain is now operational.
 

Solittle

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Apr 28, 2002
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Re: 15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

I had to use an extra long drill bit to get the gunk out of that water passage in my 1974 9.9. It was like drilling through plaster.
 

aussie01

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Re: 15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

I'm putting it all back together and in my manual it calls for"OMC Sealant Type M" applied to the bottom side of water pump plate, as well as the pump mounting bolts. I went to the knowledgeable(?) folks at my local West Marine and they had nothing and no idea on what to use. What can I use as a sealant where it is called for.
 

ezeke

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Re: 15hp Evinrude impeller replacement

I use 3M Scotch Grip Adhesive 847.
 
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