How to Use an Impeller Water Pump Repair Kit
Whether you are rebuilding your engine, replacing your water pump or doing a routine maintenance check on your outboard motor, chances are that at some point you will need to replace your impeller. The impeller is a flexible rubber gear that creates the vacuum that pumps water into your engine for cooling. It is under constant use and therefore tends to wear out more quickly than other components. A worn impeller can create blockage in the cooling system or reduce the rate at which your engine is cooled, and it can be extremely dangerous if you don’t replace it promptly. Fortunately, an impeller water pump repair kit is available to help you restore your boat’s water pump quickly and easily.
You can tell your impeller is worn out by examining it. If it is missing one or more vanes, or has noticeable swelling and cracks, it’s time to replace it. You can also inspect it by removing the pulley and watching to see if there are any signs of water leakage around the pump housing. If there are, the impeller seals are most likely worn out and you need to replace them as well.
In addition to the seals, there are other retaining rings and gaskets in the water pump that need to be replaced. If you’re not familiar with these parts, it may be a good idea to take your engine to an experienced marine mechanic for a complete pump rebuild.
It’s important to know your impeller’s size before you shop for a replacement, and the best way to do that is to have your engine’s serial number and model year handy. That information will allow you to cross-reference it with the impellers sold by your preferred dealer. It will also save you time searching for a suitable replacement online. When you do find something that looks close, make sure that the physical dimensions match: width and diameter are especially crucial.
Once you have your old impeller removed, it’s a good idea to clean all the mating surfaces before installing the new one. A sharp razor blade or fine emery paper can get rid of most of the grime, and then you should wipe it down with clean rags.
After cleaning, you can install the new impeller by simply inserting it into the pump and pushing down on the top of the shaft with a setting tool (usually included in the kit). If you have a good quality kit, the seal will automatically set itself once the impeller is installed. If you don’t have a kit, it’s still worth the investment to buy one to make this job much easier and faster. Then you can get back to your next boating adventure! Just remember to always lubricate the shaft with non-toxic grease to reduce friction between the impeller and its bearings. A little care will extend the life of your water pump and keep your engine running smoothly.