Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

[tboydva]

I have a '95 Evinrude 60HP that I'm "cleaning up" with the idea of replacing my '83 Johnson 60HP (that doesn't have power t/t). I serviced the water pump and followed the factory manual exactly. When I put on the pump housing "lightly," the impeller turns easily (I've always put marine grease in the housing to lube them during replacement). However, when I torque it down to specs, I can barely turn the shaft. I notice that there's an o-ring that the manual has you put on the shaft before putting on the impeller. I can't remember with my other outboards ('83 Johnson) and '98 Mariner putting an o-ring on before the impeller. The '83 Johnson doesn't call for it and the Mariner one is a "flat" teflon-type washer. Anyway, it seems like when I torque down the water pump cover, it "binds" against this o-ring... The manual says put it there, so I'm doing what it says, but I mean I can barely turn the shaft. My searching only found this thread. Should it be this hard??? Will the starter spin the crankshaft with so much resistance once I get it back together??? Thanks in advance.

TJB

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

Are you using the old style 3 vane impeller or the newest 6 vane? The 6 vane does not require an O ring under the impeller.

BTW - grease on the impeller isn't a good idea. If you want to use something to help the impeller slip during installation try liquid soap.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

I always use a few drops of dishsoap.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

why isnt grease a good idea?? I am learning a lot tonight..lol

 

[tboydva]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

Ah! Didn't see anything in the water pump replacement kit to indicate different directions, but yes, going from 3 vane to 6 van impeller! I knew it had to be something with the o-ring - never had it so hard to turn. Now, I'm curious about the no-grease recommendation. When someone shows you a trick and you use it for 25 years without issue, it's hard to quit... The guy who showed it to me told me it helps the impeller stay lubed before water is pulled in. Why do you not recommend marine grease? I've never replaced my own impeller that was (seemingly) damaged by it ('course I usually service every three years or sooner). What gives?

Thanks for the update on the service. This (for better or worse) is one of the newest engines I've owned besides my kicker which rarely gets used. I'll make note of this in my service manual.

EDIT: Removed the o-ring and reassembled. Spins just like it should now! Thanks for the update. The BRP water pump kit came with an instruction sheet - but didn't say anything about not replacing the o-ring under the impeller. I guess the kit covers many models... Looked over the top secret thread, but didn't see a posting or thread for service bulletins (never thought it about until now). Does BRP have a listing of service bulletins, TSBs, etc for changes to their manual protocols? A quick search hasn't helped me find anything here (but without flexible searching, forums are always hard). Thanks again for the o-ring tip!!!!!

 

[tedious]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

The factory service manual for my 1989 70 says to lightly oil the inside of the water pump housing before installing the impeller.

Tim

 

[mikesea]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

I used alite coat of grease for 40 yrs.as did my boss's and fellow mechanics.

 

[bktheking]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

I use a little grease too, never had a problem.

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

Well, most grease is made of petroleum and your impeller is made of rubber. I've always used a very light coat of grease or used dishsoap. I think the problems arise when you slather the inside of the impeller cup with grease and then spin that grease at high speeds - heating everything up and prematurely wearing the impeller.

Try the dish soap. Performs the same function and it's gone in five seconds.

 

[tboydva]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

Man - this is like the "always run gas out of the carburetor" vs the "never run gas out of the carburetor" issue. My understanding is the the grease KEEPs the impeller from overheating until a full complement of water is through the pump. Every one I've replaced on my motors has looked almost brand new, so I'm inclined to continue the practice (until more evidence mounts!). I use OMC triple-guard which is supposed to not trouble rubber. Didn't mean to start a "controversy" thread... Tinkerers (like I'm sure are rife on this forum) are always looking for the best tips and tricks. I'd like to hear more (and see some evidence one way or another if it exists), but my guess is folks will do what has always worked for them!

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

lol, just dont mention Champion vs NGK plugs ROFL
you should read that post.

 

[tboydva]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

Sparkie - actually I did today! I think owning and maintaining outboards is like having kids... Other parents will swear, "we just did XXX, and they didn't cry/crap their underway/went right to sleep/etc." There are a few pros lurking here for sure and their advise is borne out of years of observations. I only have a sampling of 1 for all my experiences, so I'm always open. You do tend to continue what seems to work for you (even if you don't know any better). I'm always open to new interpretations (I'm a scientist), so I like to evaluate the data.... Perhaps we'll have a few more chime-ins. With ~100 hours per year on my motor, probably nothing I do will truly kill it in my lifetime (my current one is an '83 that I've owned for 12 years and it's still running like a top!).

Besides, in reference to your spark plug post, I'm a diesel guy so if I could afford a 36HP tohatsu diesel, I'd be chucking away my last spark plug!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

Grease, dishsoap ......either works as well as the other. I use dishsoap with all water related things like pushing on hose connections to the pool, washing machine, dishwasher, auto hoses etc. Dissipates very quickly after use but has the same lubricity as anything oil based to begin with.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Impeller Very Hard to turn - 1995 60HP Evinrude

I love diesel also, I drive an F-250 powerstroke..7.3 L..what an engine, I get 15-18 MPG with a 3/4 ton quad cab with a long bed..and that is with my foot in the throttle as always..rev it up is my motto. lol. wish I could get a 150 HP diesel outboard..if I ever get an inboard motor goodbye spark plugs and hello glow plugs