Replace waterpump every year, since when??

[grouper1]

I have a question for the experts about waterpump replacement. Within the last few years I have seen what seems to be a new trend in outboard maintainence recommending the replacement of the waterpump on a yearly schedule. I have owned and operated most of the major brands and have only replaced the waterpump when there was a problem with it. Most could probably do it themselves, but some cannot. Even if you can, it can be very time consuming and expensive (especially if you must rely on a certified repair shop to do it or some of the repair manuals' less than ideal directions....usually it's foggy on the shift linkage disconnection in order to remove the foot). Is it a manufacturers recommendation and does it void your warranty if you don't follow the recommendation? Is it something new and what are the repair experts' opinions on this? Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Replace waterpump every year, since when??

The problem with waiting til there's a problem with it is that it usually results in catastrophic powerhead failure. Better safe than sorry. Replacing an average impeller, about a hundred bucks including labor. Replacing a fried powerhead, several thousand dollars. Time enjoyed on the water after regular preventive maintenance, Priceless!

Unless it can be proved that the water pump failed due to a defect, fried powerheads are not covered by warranty. If you don't follow manufacturers maintenance recommendations, denial is a very real possibility.

 

[Walker]

Re: Replace waterpump every year, since when??

And it seem like every day I read on here "But my tell-tale is still pissing"
Yearly water pump maintenance, especially on a salt water motor is cheap insurance and also, if done right, insures that none of the LU attachment bolts corrode in place.

 

[kameika]

Re: Replace waterpump every year, since when??

With a routine flush with some ear muffs, I am advised to replace the impeller each 3-4 years...

Impeller cost? $30. About two hours' effort.

Check for good urine flow each engine startup.

This advisement has not failed myself nor anyone in my marina (many, many) in the last five years.

Check your overheat alarm each spring with a wire jumper from the sensor to the block.

then, you're covered.

Ken.

Red Bank, NJ

 

[F_R]

Re: Replace waterpump every year, since when??

Read WillyBWright's answer. But let me say this in addition:
I was an Evinrude dealer mechanic in the 1950's thru '70s. Some impellers were very reliable and when they did fail it usually wasn't catastrophic if the owner was alert. Others however were notorious for sudden catastrophic failure and when less that two years old, whether the boat was used much or little. We even had some of those fail during warranty period.
So, it is hard to give a hard and fast answer. I would like to say that I replace my own impeller every year, but the truth is that I don't.
If an impeller spins the hub while running at high speed, you can't shut it off fast enough to prevent frying the pistons. And the warning horn will not go off. It happens too fast, within seconds.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Replace waterpump every year, since when??

i personally on the larger engines like a water pressure gauge. it gives you a little advance notice, that you are not pumping what you should be.

 

[grouper1]

Re: Replace waterpump every year, since when??

Everyone makes a good point. "Imported", I think you nailed the problem for most "average" boaters like me, that is ...I'd like to replace my impeller every year, but it just ain't practical or probable, especially if I have to pay someone to do it. Kinda like the timing belt in your car that "supposed" to be replaced at 50K miles, with similar catastophic results if it breaks. And also, the quality of the product you bought in the first place can be a factor. Some manufacturers just have a better quality control on the parts they use in their motors. So.....I guess if I buy a new motor, I'll have a certified mechanic replace the pump every year ( so I don't void the warranty by doing it myself) and after the warranty expires I'll do it myself (using a QUALITY replacement impeller) whenever I think it needs it based on the conditions I run the motor in and the confidence level I have in my manufacturer.

 

[JB]

Re: Replace waterpump every year, since when??

Triplicate thread. See Non-Repair.