Melted thing on my water tube

[rednecktech00]

Changed the impeller on my 1988 Alpha One. On the water tube, there is something melted that I don't see in any of the diagrams from the manual. What is this?

 

[Failproof]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

The bushing that guides the tube. Usually a sign of overheating or running without water in exhaust.

 

[Don S]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

It was the plastic guide used to help align the copper tube with the pump when re-assembling the drive.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

Your impeller kit should have a new one.... You should also give a real close look at the water pocket cover in the upper. If your temp was enough to melt the guide tube like this, it may have melted your water pocket. Those bolts are a PITA to get out, too... if they break, your into a new upper.... Also, I see you still have an o-ring on the drive shaft. Recommendation these days is to leave that off when you go back together. Newer drive shafts dont have the groove anymore and there is a seal that does the job there of keeping water out of the splines.... KB

 

[rednecktech00]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

What should I look for on the water pocket cover? I asked for an impeller kit at one of the local marina's Don always tells me to not bother any more. They just gave me an impeller. I have looked at kits online. I don't see this guide. The kit I was going to order is part number 47- 89984Q 5. Is the replacement for this guide the white plastic tube I see in the pics of the kit? Thanks so much for your help. I deeply appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Don S]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

The impeller kit you posted the number to is the impeller kit you need for your drive, and it does include the tube.

 

[achris]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

That kit has all the 'standard' impeller replacement items in it... But you've had some very serious damage done there... I would also be replacing the housing and the base... (not included in that kit)...

Have a read of this for a full description of the water pocket cover, its function and what can happen when you run without water (most likely in your case)... -> http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=556903&p=3825409&viewfull=1#post3825409

 

[Don S]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

That little thin plastic guide is melted, but I see no damage to the much heavier duty pump housing, not even a bubble or discoloration from an overheat. I would doubt any serious damage was done to the water pocket cover, and long before I tried to remove the water pocket cover, I would suggest you run it in the water under load and on plane and even to WOT, with a new impeller and see if you have any overheat problems. If you don't. Don't touch the cover.

 

[achris]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

That little thin plastic guide is melted, but I see no damage to the much heavier duty pump housing, not even a bubble or discoloration from an overheat. I would doubt any serious damage was done to the water pocket cover, and long before I tried to remove the water pocket cover, I would suggest you run it in the water under load and on plane and even to WOT, with a new impeller and see if you have any overheat problems. If you don't. Don't touch the cover.

Agreed... But while he has the drive apart he can at least pressure test the cover... (the main reason for me posting that link) Also if he's run dry, then the housing may have a slight melt on the inside that will not show outside... He needs to have a very close look at the cup...

 

[rednecktech00]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

Wow Chris. That taught me a lot. I wondered about the housing. It is clean and shiny on the inside. The impeller itself had a couple of cracked fins but looked ok. Just glad I didn't run it like that. Since I have it apart and don't have my lower shift cable in yet, I wll do the pressure test. Thanks so much for your insight. I'm slow but having a good time learning all this stuff.

 

[rednecktech00]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

Guess you guys were posting while I was reading and posting a reply. The housing doesn't appear damaged. It is very sooty. I wonder if this is from what Chris suggested in my other thread is a result of running without a thermostat. I don't mind doing the housing too. I'm not ready to take on the cover. I have read about pressure testing. I really want to try it.

If it had ever over heated, I think I would know. I am pretty obssessive about watching the guage. When I first bought it 6 years ago, I remember having to pay a lot to repair damage from being run without water. Maybe this damage is from way back then.

 

[achris]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

Sounds like you have it all under control... Do you have the factory manuals?

I was just about to post you the manuals link, but flicked back to the photo of your drive, and the year you posted... I see a discrepancy... You posted that it is a 1988, which is an Alpha One, but the photo of the lower unit shows an o-ring on the top of the drive shaft... and a squared off anti-cav plate... This would indicate that the lower is an 'R' (1983-1984), not an Alpha One.

The manual link is the same -> https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1TAvwZ3TjhfOVRUNEk0anBUR3lQYTkwcUh5RElUQQ

What's your engine? I'll post up a link to that too...

Chris.........

Found it... 1988 3.0l, replaced in 2009.. Was that a full 'drop in' engine, or a long block using your old 'add-ons'?

 

[rednecktech00]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

Sounds like you have it all under control... Do you have the factory manuals?

I was just about to post you the manuals link, but flicked back to the photo of your drive, and the year you posted... I see a discrepancy... You posted that it is a 1988, which is an Alpha One, but the photo of the lower unit shows an o-ring on the top of the drive shaft... and a squared off anti-cav plate... This would indicate that the lower is an 'R' (1983-1984), not an Alpha One.

The manual link is the same -> https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1TAvwZ3TjhfOVRUNEk0anBUR3lQYTkwcUh5RElUQQ

What's your engine? I'll post up a link to that too...

Chris.........

Found it... 1988 3.0l, replaced in 2009.. Was that a full 'drop in' engine, or a long block using your old 'add-ons'?

It was a long block that included everything except I had to add a coil and flywheel. It came from Michigan Motorz, but was installed by some some losers that work at a local shop. This is why I do have the link to the manual.

I have paid to have the impeller changed half a dozen times in the last 6 years. If the o ring is still there and there is still damage from being over heated when I first bought it, I wonder if it has ever been done since I have owned it...

 

[achris]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

On the hub of the impeller is a date stamp... That's a really good way of telling when it was last changed... Did they return the old impellers to you after the job was 'done' each time in the past? (That was something I was insistent on when I had my shop... ALL the old parts are still the property of the owner, and as such, they were returned to them with the boat)....

If this is the same crowd that didn't put a thermostat in the engine... Find another shop!! Or better still, buy a few basic tools and do the work yourself... Much more rewarding....

Chris.......

 

[rednecktech00]

Re: Melted thing on my water tube

Wow Chris. I didn't know about the date on the impeller. And no, I never got my old parts. I have been through every shop in the area. This is why I'm learing so someday I can come work in your shop.