Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

[HereDuckyDucky]

I just bought a '96 15hp (E15REDS), and I would like to replace the impeller, pump housing, etc., just to be safe and so that I know how to do it in case of emergency.

I've changed impellers before, but I rant into a problem with this motor. I can't find where to disconnect the shift rod so that the lower unit will slide off.

I'm assuming that once I remove the six bolts holding the unit to the midsection and disconnect the shift rod the LU will slide off and I'll have easy access to the impeller housing.

So two questions:

1. Am I right in my assumptions on what I need to do?
2. If so, where do I disconnect the shift rod?

Thanks in advance!

RW

 

[jimdd810]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

I know your probably looking for a quick answer but I cant remember every motor Ive replaced impellers on. I highly recommend that you get your self an oem manual. It will help you out greatly in the long run and save you tons of money.

Pay attention to number 49 on the blow up of your gear case.

When you remove all the gearcase bolts and can seperate the lower unit from the midsection. You will see this part. Loosen the top bolt and then you can remove the lower unit.

 

[HereDuckyDucky]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

How far should the LU drop down before you can see the part? After removing the six base bolts, the LU only dropped down about 1/4". Am I missing something, or do I just need to give it a little pressure?

thanks,
RW

 

[jimdd810]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

It should drop a couple of inches. Try shifting it into forward gear. You only get enough room in there to get a flat head screwdriver or shallow wall socket in there to turn out the bolt.

 

[HereDuckyDucky]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

It should drop a couple of inches. Try shifting it into forward gear. You only get enough room in there to get a flat head screwdriver or shallow wall socket in there to turn out the bolt.

I'll try shifting it in the morning to see if it'll move down.

RW

 

[HereDuckyDucky]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

Just ordered the manual. I'm going to wait until it gets here to start getting into it.

RW

 

[HereDuckyDucky]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

Okay. So I got the manual (AWESOME!!!). Took the LU apart. Went smooth. Impeller is in perfect shape. Put everything back together. Ran motor in barrel, and still no pee. Could it be that the water level in the barrel is not high enough? I have it a few inches past the intake screens.

Also, I noticed when taking the housing apart that there was no sealant between the housing and the plate. Is that normal? It also seemed that there was some leaking from the housing into the LU. Or is it normal for there to be water in there?

As always, thanks.

RW

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

If your problem is no 'pee', just blow backwards through the hose. Most likely blocked.
However if your impeller is more than 3 years old, CHANGE!
Did you check that the hub was not loose in the rubber?

 

[jimdd810]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

I agree with haffiman, Should replace the impeller due to age. Those peetubes get plugged alot.

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

A few inches past the intake screens is not enough. The water pump is just above where the lower unit disconnects. The water level should be about 3 inches higher than that since these things are not self-priming.

and yes, change the other impeller. Impellers must be changed when they are in good condition since the alternative is to wait until it fails, engine overheats, you blow out your head gasket, warp your cylinder head and possibly score your pistons. That's the other way to do it. After you change it, make a note of the date and change it every 5 years after that.

 

[HereDuckyDucky]

Re: Replacing Impeller on 1996 15HP

A few inches past the intake screens is not enough. The water pump is just above where the lower unit disconnects. The water level should be about 3 inches higher than that since these things are not self-priming.

and yes, change the other impeller. Impellers must be changed when they are in good condition since the alternative is to wait until it fails, engine overheats, you blow out your head gasket, warp your cylinder head and possibly score your pistons. That's the other way to do it. After you change it, make a note of the date and change it every 5 years after that.

Went and bought an impeller kit, but before installing I wanted to test the water level hypothesis. Wouldn't you know it, a few extra inches of water and that baby was pissing like a race horse.

Regardless, I removed the lower unit and inspected the impeller / housing again. I believe it was recently replaced. All the parts appeared new with zero visible wear.

At least now I have a kit and the tools to fix it if I need to replace it at a later date.

Thanks again fellas!

RW