Installing impeller question

[Rodster44]

Hi

I have a 1999 Johnson 150 HP Oceanpro. I am putting in a new water pump. My drive shaft has a little up and down movement.
Should I pull it up against the thrust bearings before twisting to lock the wedge key on the new impeller?
Rod

 

[OBJ]

Re: Installing impeller question

No need. What you should do is install the impeller in the housing first and slide the whole she-bang down over the key. You can use a bit of grease to hold the key in position.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Installing impeller question

just to add a little, you could also oil the impeller blades before installing to ease in start up, turn the driveshaft clockwise while lowering the housing over the impeller, and put a little grease on those drive shaft splines before re inserting. Also make sure that the water line is free of debris, and make sure that it slides nicely into the grommet on top of the impeller housing. That spot seems to cause alot of problems when it slips off of blocking water flow.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Installing impeller question

With all due respect to HighTrim, if you use his method, watch the housing seal oring. Usually this method will pull the oring out of the housing slot even if it's held in place with compound or sealing compound.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Installing impeller question

Thank you for the tip OBJ...Ill keep an eye on that from now on.

 

[Rodster44]

Re: Installing impeller question

HI
I guess I did not explain it correct. I have it all together except the lower unit is still on the bench. If I pull the drive shaft up against the thrust bearing and then twist the shaft clockwise it will lock the impeller key and hold the shaft against the thrust bearings. I was thinking that the shaft would normally ride up against the thrust bearing when running. If I just left the shaft in the down position and let the key lock the impeller to the driveshaft I would think that it would put a sideload on the impeller when it runs.

Rod