Replacing intake screens on lower unit

[BigJ08]

I have a '73 65hp evinrude and was wondering how I replace the screens on the lower unit water intake. I can't even seem to find the parts (screens and hardware???). Can anyone help me out here or are the screens not really important (I highly doubt this but figured it couldn't hurt to ask)?

 

[Mas]

Re: Replacing intake screens on lower unit

You need them!

Can't help you on the where, but they prevent larger things floating in the water from being sucked up, blocking cooling passages, thus overheating your motor!

Also, if you run in shallow water, sand will destroy your impeller!

MAS

 

[F_R]

Re: Replacing intake screens on lower unit

The part number is 314175, available from any Evinrude dealer. Or $7.56 on-line from http://shop.evinrude.com/ It only takes one screen...it is a box shaped gizmo.

You have to remove the water pump to get at it. Break the old one out. The new one snaps into place. Sometimes you have to remove the bearing housing from below the water pump also.

While you are in there would be an excellent time to replace the water pump impeller. In fact, if it still has the original aluminum water pump housing, replace the whole pump kit with the much better plastic housing with stainless steel liners.

I suggest pulling it apart to see what you have before ordering parts.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Replacing intake screens on lower unit

you need to also remove the plate that impeller rides on,then you will see the opening the screen drops into,the new one will snap into place by pushing with a little force,

 

[BigJ08]

Re: Replacing intake screens on lower unit

Replaced the impeller this past summer so I guess I could go ahead and do another replacement this summer and replace the screens at the same time. good point about the sand ruining the propeller. I do run in some very sandy and sediment filled lakes. I might need a new impeller anyway. How often do you guys replace your impellers? I've heard every 2 seasons, every so many hours? Any good suggestions?

 

[mikesea]

Re: Replacing intake screens on lower unit

My advice is yearly,especially in salt,sand or if the motor lays up fpr a few months.Its bad for an impeller to just sit and not excerise.It will take a "shape"that prevents it from performing properly.For those in salt environments.Its imprtant to grease up those bolts that after a couple yrs wont come out due to corrosion