Alpha One impeller alternative?

[smiles16]

Sipping my coffee this morning and brainstorming.

I’m due an impeller change come time to winterize as PM. Now I’m wondering, can I delete it?

12v self-priming water pumps with a variety of flow rates are available. So, what if I removed the impeller (leaving the housing intact) and installed one of these electric pumps inline with the existing plumbing?

I could use transparent tubing or a sight glass on the output side to keep an eye on flow, and either wire it to the ignition or a toggle on the dash.

Thoughts? I’m missing something here because I figure someone has already thought of this. Bravo drives have a remote pump, why would this be much different?

 

[Bondo]

12v self-priming water pumps with a variety of flow rates are available.

Ayuh,..... Don't even think 'bout it,.... No where nearly enough flow,.....

 

[thumpar]

Bravo impellers still use the engine to power the pump. Sounds like you are really trying to complicate things with the electric setup. You can use an engine driven pump just like the Bravo with an alpha. Some came that way from the factory. That is the only switch I would ever put on.

 

[Scott Danforth]

in addition to the above posts, your missing the fact that the alpha drive also uses the water flow to help cool the drive.

why re-invent the wheel and add failure points?

 

[porscheguy]

The drive needs to be removed annually for normal inspection. Change the impeller while the drive is off. Adds 30 minutes to the job.

 

[Maclin]

Even if you could get the amount of flow you would need, that sounds like more work than just doing the normal maintenance. Then explaining all that to the next owner may result in reduced value. If you are wanting to extend the interval then you might try a run-dry impeller kit next time, with new pump housing?

 

[smiles16]

Thanls guys, just a morning brainstorm. Knew there was something I wasn’t thinking about.

However, Maclin, what’s this run-dry impeller you speak of? Never heard of it.