How often do you replace the impeller?

[AChotrod]

Got my boat all cleaned up and fired up the motor for the first time this year. Put the muffs on and although they didnt seem to be sealing that well, I figured at least I should get some water out of the pee hole. Let it run for about a minute or less(didnt want to overheat it) and never got any water. Last time I had the boat in water it worked just fine. Not sure If it was a poor pressure deal, if I didnt let it run long enough or it needs a new impeller.

So that made me wonder how often impellers need to be changed, or any other suggestions as to why this happened. I just dont remember it taking so long to start cycling water through.

 

[gm280]

Re: How often do you replace the impeller?

Usually folks go two years between replacements. But some also go until it becomes a problem. Does your engine have a thermostat? If so that could be the reason for not peeing instantly. The thermostat didn't get warm enough to open yet. If, on the other hand, your engine doesn't have a thermostat then check for insects in the pee tubes or any other blockages. If they are all good and clean, then you need to replace the water impellor... If it has been over two years, I'd replace it anyway... JMHO!

 

[AChotrod]

Re: How often do you replace the impeller?

I bought the boat last fall. Old owner said it was just replaced (but who really knows) and it didnt give me any issues last year. Not positive on the stat. Ill check it out tonight but its a 95 Merc 60hp 2smoke so I would think it has one. I will also try a container instead of the leaky muffs to see if the muffs just werent sealing to get enough pressure. In the mean time Ill look into ordering a new impeller for piece of mind.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: How often do you replace the impeller?

Sorta like what oil do you like. You'll get answers from A to Z. Not rocket science. Different folks run in different environments. Has a big impact on change frequency. I run in clean fresh water and last year changed mine for the first time since 2004. Blades were bent back....a SET, but no temp problems. If you are off shore or something of the sort with one engine then I think prudence would prevail and you would change it frequently, especially in sandy/silty environments.

Mark

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How often do you replace the impeller?

My 2006 Mercury 4 stroke 90 owners manual says 3 years or 300 hours, whichever occurs first. I think I would follow what the owners manual says.

 

[AChotrod]

Re: How often do you replace the impeller?

This boat has never seen salt water, and not many sandy areas around here. Im going to change it out though since the boat has about 950hrs on it an who knows if the previous owner really had it changed.

 

[wired247]

Re: How often do you replace the impeller?

When I got my current boat from my Dad a few years ago I changed the impeller. It was pumping water fine and had been since that lower was installed in 1991 but I elected to change it anyway.

 

[cr2k]

Re: How often do you replace the impeller?

Impellers should be changed every other year, if you use the boat or not. If you use it it wears, if you don't the blades take a set and get less flexible. If you often run in rivers and/or sandy silty water then change it more often. Not Rocket science, PREVENTIVE Maintenance.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: How often do you replace the impeller?

I would change it for peace of mind. I've always use muffs, water always leaks out around them. motor can't use that much water.