How long would you go on water pump

[AaronG]

I have a 1997 Alpha 1 gen 2 drive with a 5.7lx motor. I keep the boat in a saltwater slip all summer and flush the engine (kinda) with a perko flush pro after every outing. I understand that the flushpro isn't very effective on my setup, but it definitely keeps the exhaust flushed out.

Anyway, 3 years ago (150 engine hours) I replaced the manifolds/risers and the water pump in the leg. Those parts were all 3 years and about 150 engine hours old when I replaced them. The impeller looked like new, and the manifolds/risers also looked to be in really good shape.

I was thinking about going 5 years on the water pump impeller and manifolds/risers. I never run the boat aground or run the impeller dry. What do you guys think?

Also, I'm ashamed to say, my bellows/gimbal bearing/ lower shift cable are all original. I inspect this stuff every spring, and never store the boat with the drive up (to not stretch out the bellows). the bellows really look good still. Should I just hold off on this stuff until it has a failure or needs a lower shift cable? 13 years seems like a long time, but it all looks okay.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: How long would you go on water pump

While the Gen 2 pump is much improved over earlier ones, I don't think I would go over 2 yrs on impeller. As far as bellows go you are asking for problems. And things don't get any cheaper when they fail! And a failed shift cable bellows will sink your boat in a hurry.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: How long would you go on water pump

2 years is the longest I would recommend on an impeller.Sounds like you are ready for a complete transom kit.Gimball bearing,pick up tube,all bellows,shift cable etc..Do it as prev maintenance .If you wait until something fails(and it will) you open yourself up to an experience and expense that you will surely post about.Charlie

 

[Simoniz]

Re: How long would you go on water pump

2 years is the longest I would recommend on an impeller.Sounds like you are ready for a complete transom kit.Gimball bearing,pick up tube,all bellows,shift cable etc..Do it as prev maintenance .If you wait until something fails(and it will) you open yourself up to an experience and expense that you will surely post about.Charlie

Well the impellor in my boat (Alpha 1 Gen 2) has just completed its second season and is fine, water pressure is great even at idle and no sign of running on if I shut the boat down straight after a high power run, so I reckon Im going to leave it in for a third season, instead of changing it this winter as was my original plan.

Before I swapped it last time, the one that was in there had done at least 4 years but wasnt pumping much water at low rpm, although I had accidently run the boat dry for a couple of minutes which is what finished it off, it had been fine up till then.

 

[John_S]

Re: How long would you go on water pump

FWIW: I go three years on mine (alpha 1 gen II). My boat sees only clear fresh water and low hours. I replace the whole water pump, not just the impeller, and use Merc parts. Drive is stored in a non-freezing basement (if that matters). I do not notice any wear or cracking on the impeller. Also, the vanes return to straight after a few minutes. Could I go longer? Probably. Is it worth it? Probably not.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: How long would you go on water pump

...Should I just hold off on this stuff until it has a failure or needs a lower shift cable? 13 years seems like a long time, but it all looks okay.

Well...... since when the bellows fails, your boat will sink, it is probably not a wise decision.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How long would you go on water pump

Well...... since when the bellows fails, your boat will sink, it is probably not a wise decision.

Ayuh,... Not only does the boat Sink, the repair costs go Up expotentially....
A couple a hundred now, or a few Thousand later.... Your Already pushin' the envolope....

 

[Fishermark]

Re: How long would you go on water pump

I replaced the manifolds/risers and the water pump in the leg. Those parts were all 3 years and about 150 engine hours old when I replaced them.

I agree with everyone on the pump.

What I don't agree on is the manifolds and risers. If you are lumping them all together and talking about replacing them too, then that makes little sense. You will get more than 3 years out of the manifolds and risers. You can pull the riser and check it... but I would not suggest simply replacing them.