Impeller/Lower unit question.

[smplesoft]

I have a 1982 Mercury 70hp 3cyl (SN#6164457)and I replaced the impeller a month ago and its already trashed. Every fin broke off at the base of the impeller. This was not installed backwards. The impeller was installed turning the drive shaft clockwise. But what I noticed was the impeller rubber was super stiff. Is this normal or was this possibly a new part that was sitting around too long? I also noticed that I can move the drive shaft up and down or in and out approx. 1/8". Should there be this much play in the drive shaft? I would like to put a new water pump rebuild kit in but I dont want the same thing to happen again. Any advise?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Impeller/Lower unit question.

I never heard of one that did that. Inspect the waterpump cover and the stainless insert. If it has burrs or worse replace it. With the waterpump base installed, the driveshaft should not have any play, unless it has the spring on the end of the driveshaft. Anyway, I would not worry about that play in such an old motor. It will work or it will not, and if it breaks, you will need to get a new LU.