water pump question

[dcjcdc]

hi
have a 1990 sunbird corsica with
omc cobra 5.0 litre engine
omc inboard/outboard outdrive

last year when i got my boat winterized
the mechanic sid the water pump is weak..need new impellar
- ? if i dont get this fixed can it ruin the engine?
also is this an easy fix , just the impellar
also should i just change the waterpump
thanks

 

[KC4YIN]

Re: water pump question

Yes. You should change the water pump impeller. This is a maintenance item. The engine depends on it for proper cooling. If memory serves correctly, the Cobra;s feature was the easy access to the impeller / water pump components. I believe they are located on top of the drive under a cover. A service manual can be a BIG help here.

 

[can-amsledder]

Re: water pump question

Impellers are cheap. If a mechanic that you trust said it was weak then it?s time to replace it. And yes you can overheat the motor with a bad impeller which can ruin the motor. It is an easy fix if you know what you are doing. It?s also not expensive to have a pro replace it. As for the water pump, I don?t see the need to replace that too.

 

[dcjcdc]

Re: water pump question

thanks for the responses
- just emailed the mechanic and he emailed

you will need a waterpump assembly housing.. that includes the new housing and waterpump impeller

(IS THIS CORRECT in your opion to need waterpump assemply housing as well,,just to want to pay more than i have too,,also the mechanic mentioned it would be a 2 hour job
thanks

 

[can-amsledder]

Re: water pump question

Replacing the housing too might be a little overkill but it will be right and it will be one less thing you have to worry about.

 

[QC]

Re: water pump question

Moved to the I/O section. Housing is a typical recommendation and appropriate.