I must the luckiest guy on Earth…. My nephew still uses my old 1980 boat with a 1979 Johnson 115, impeller never replaced, and still peeing. And I only changed the spark plugs once many years ago. Lucky.
Our impeller failed 2 weeks ago on the water, no damage, noticed it at start up on the lake. Wasn't far out and came in with 2 trolling motors. That was the original impeller in a 1996 30hp Mercury. So, it lasted 28 years. Changed it at home last week, should be good for many more years, unless the quality of the impeller has dropped like every other modern day product.
I have a 1997 Maxum 1750SR with the mercruiser 3.0 engine. I just had my lower unit impeller replaced in 2019. It still looked good, with no heating issues. The repair shop was really surprised. Plus in the last 10 years we only use it about 3 time a year. Still looks and runs good.
We have seen that too. The problem is, you can’t tell till you take it apart. At that point, with the labour done, you might as well put a new one in and get those years out of the maintenance.
Just found your channel - Thanks for not blasting your intro music. I have a 1968 'classic' Sport Craft project boat and my impeller hates me, laughs at me and lies about lasting. Found four in OK after that they maybe 'cut to fit.'
@@boatinglessons Transom is back in. Stringers and floors this week end. Then back to marina for motor. Motor says Mercrusier but it is a 60hp Renault LeCar engine.
Another reason for preventive impeller replacement, as impellers get older they start to lose flexibility. Pieces can break off and get stuck in hard to reach areas. That adds to the cost. Most marinas I worked for had 2 prices for impeller replacement. Routine maintenance -- (cheap) and replacement because the impeller failed -- (almost always twice as much $$$ and sometimes in the thousands).
Impeller technology hasn’t changed in over 70 years. Dropping the lower unit is required and can be difficult especially if the motor is used in salt water. It’s time for all manufacturers to address this antiquated design flaw. Replacement access should be as easy as changing a spark plug.
I recently was ready to purchase what looked like a nice boat. The owner failed to winterize the boat and the block froze. He replaced the engine and wanted to sell it quickly. When I asked that last question about the impeller, I got the “what’s an impeller”, that’s all I needed to know. Great question to ask. Glad i didn’t buy that boat.
Great tip. I notice our local dealer runs outboard engines out of the water for a few minutes as part of their winterization procedure to get all the residual water out of the passages. Seems like this practice could cause extra wear on the impeller, since there’s no water to “lubricate” it as it’s spinning. Is this an issue or not?
my motor goes good for 20 minutes then the primer is flat, after keep squeezing the primer for 5 minutes then the motor starts but only runs max 5 knots all the way back to the boat ramp if i try go faster it stalls, any ideas because it does go fast for the first 20 minutes every time I go out then primer flat again? I dont think its a blockage as it runs perfect for first 20 min each time, has an underfloor fuel tank. Please help...
@@boatinglessons Thanks. Excellent channel!!!😎 I have an idea for a future video. I have to install some switches for electronics and was wondering what is a good brand? Also what is your opinion on LifePO4 batteries for a trolling motor or even converting over your main batteries to? Thanks again always informative and relevant! 👍
I saw the impeller price is not that expensive, so out of curiousity, why not changing the impeller yourself? Is it that difficult to change it? Nice content btw!
There are pros and cons to each. If you are looking at the best pure surf experience, Mastercraft is superior. Chaparral will be less expensive to own and faster top end speed.
While the telltale proves the pump is working, beware a thermostat that won't open. The engine won't burn up but can still get too hot. I had it happen and the poppet bypass valve melted, the exhaust gasket blew out, and I got steam etc out of the telltale. Suggest changing the thermostat every two impeller changes...
All great advice! but an impeller don't suck water it just moves it never run one dry!... Buying a used outboard? Forget the Impeller! Take a Compression Reading and make sure it's in factory Spec!..
@@boatinglessons Yes, we have been doing that too. Saltwater is very harsh to say the least. The 150 Yamaha engines came with connections that can be uncoupled so fresh water can be run through the the engine without running the engine. I always felt the fresh water was running through the water pump and out, but maybe not. I have been using a conditioner from West Marine just for flushing. I assume the conditioner helps even more than just running fresh water through, but if it does not run through the pump assembly, the conditioner does not help keep the rubber impellers flexible. Is that correct?
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Have you had a water pump impeller fail? If so, how was the damage/repair?
Ours failed today on Lake Winnipesaukee.
I must the luckiest guy on Earth…. My nephew still uses my old 1980 boat with a 1979 Johnson 115, impeller never replaced, and still peeing. And I only changed the spark plugs once many years ago. Lucky.
Our impeller failed 2 weeks ago on the water, no damage, noticed it at start up on the lake. Wasn't far out and came in with 2 trolling motors. That was the original impeller in a 1996 30hp Mercury. So, it lasted 28 years. Changed it at home last week, should be good for many more years, unless the quality of the impeller has dropped like every other modern day product.
Great tips and info . What is a reasonable range for an impeller replacement in a stern drive ? Ty
I have a 1997 Maxum 1750SR with the mercruiser 3.0 engine.
I just had my lower unit impeller replaced in 2019.
It still looked good, with no heating issues.
The repair shop was really surprised.
Plus in the last 10 years we only use it about 3 time a year.
Still looks and runs good.
We have seen that too. The problem is, you can’t tell till you take it apart. At that point, with the labour done, you might as well put a new one in and get those years out of the maintenance.
Just found your channel - Thanks for not blasting your intro music. I have a 1968 'classic' Sport Craft project boat and my impeller hates me, laughs at me and lies about lasting. Found four in OK after that they maybe 'cut to fit.'
That sounds like a challenge for sure!
@@boatinglessons Transom is back in. Stringers and floors this week end. Then back to marina for motor. Motor says Mercrusier but it is a 60hp Renault LeCar engine.
Excellent information and well presented! Thank you!
Another reason for preventive impeller replacement, as impellers get older they start to lose flexibility. Pieces can break off and get stuck in hard to reach areas. That adds to the cost. Most marinas I worked for had 2 prices for impeller replacement. Routine maintenance -- (cheap) and replacement because the impeller failed -- (almost always twice as much $$$ and sometimes in the thousands).
Impeller technology hasn’t changed in over 70 years. Dropping the lower unit is required and can be difficult especially if the motor is used in salt water. It’s time for all manufacturers to address this antiquated design flaw. Replacement access should be as easy as changing a spark plug.
I am sure they are open too ideas. The key is that the lower they are, the more reliable they are/better they work.
Awesome topic. Such great advice. Small thing…huge consequences, if you ignore it. 🇨🇦👍🏼
💯
I recently was ready to purchase what looked like a nice boat. The owner failed to winterize the boat and the block froze. He replaced the engine and wanted to sell it quickly. When I asked that last question about the impeller, I got the “what’s an impeller”, that’s all I needed to know. Great question to ask. Glad i didn’t buy that boat.
So glad we helped you possibly Dodge a bullet!
Great advice to keep your engine in top running condition.
Great tip. I notice our local dealer runs outboard engines out of the water for a few minutes as part of their winterization procedure to get all the residual water out of the passages. Seems like this practice could cause extra wear on the impeller, since there’s no water to “lubricate” it as it’s spinning. Is this an issue or not?
We only run it for about 5 seconds - otherwise you are correct it does wear them VERY quickly.
I'm sure doing a fast 5 second dry run doesn't hurt but we never dry fire.that impellar turned 100 times during that 5 seconds.
my motor goes good for 20 minutes then the primer is flat, after keep squeezing the primer for 5 minutes then the motor starts but only runs max 5 knots all the way back to the boat ramp if i try go faster it stalls, any ideas because it does go fast for the first 20 minutes every time I go out then primer flat again? I dont think its a blockage as it runs perfect for first 20 min each time, has an underfloor fuel tank. Please help...
Can you tell me how to find out if my impeller is on the engine or in the leg
I have a bunch of old Johnson evenrude 15 hp motors and I replaced the impeller every year
Very good video. And very informative! Thank you
Our pleasure :)
Would be nice to know how much it costs to replace an impeller. Yet not mentioned in the video.
I just replace mine an it still not taking in water?????? any idea
Excellent topic
Thanks! Let me know if you have any other suggestions :)
So just as bmw m5, everything is plastic, just replace it with billet titanium impeller to resist heat and time and just lube it occasionally
I have a 5.7 inboard mercury and it has a sea/freshwater pump on the engine. Does it have an impeller inside the leg also?
No, just on the engine Tank.
@@boatinglessons Thanks. Excellent channel!!!😎 I have an idea for a future video. I have to install some switches for electronics and was wondering what is a good brand? Also what is your opinion on LifePO4 batteries for a trolling motor or even converting over your main batteries to? Thanks again always informative and relevant! 👍
I saw the impeller price is not that expensive, so out of curiousity, why not changing the impeller yourself? Is it that difficult to change it?
Nice content btw!
No its easy. I do it myself a woman on a yammy50 & mercruiser alpha one every 5 years.
So far I've only done the merc once because I just got it :)
How do the Chaparral surf models compare to Mastercraft?
There are pros and cons to each. If you are looking at the best pure surf experience, Mastercraft is superior. Chaparral will be less expensive to own and faster top end speed.
Nice video. I always check for the pee coming out of my outboard as I do not have a temp gauge. Cheers from the Finger Lakes!
Cheers to you also!
While the telltale proves the pump is working, beware a thermostat that won't open. The engine won't burn up but can still get too hot. I had it happen and the poppet bypass valve melted, the exhaust gasket blew out, and I got steam etc out of the telltale. Suggest changing the thermostat every two impeller changes...
All great advice! but an impeller don't suck water it just moves it never run one dry!... Buying a used outboard? Forget the Impeller! Take a Compression Reading and make sure it's in factory Spec!..
Have you watched our compression check video? If not, please do and let us know what you think :)
Always buy the blue colored impeller so it last 6 years just like jet skies if you buy black it last 4 years
I guess you just talked me into throwing another thousand dollars into my spring commission fee! LOL
Hopefully you find it good value and piece of mind. ☺️
You are the best!
That is WAY to kind. Thank you 😊
Thankyou
Fresh Water vs Salt Water? Flush after use with special flush chemicals?
When I use a boat in salt water I always flush the engine (running) with fresh water and rinse down the whole boat.
@@boatinglessons Yes, we have been doing that too. Saltwater is very harsh to say the least. The 150 Yamaha engines came with connections that can be uncoupled so fresh water can be run through the the engine without running the engine. I always felt the fresh water was running through the water pump and out, but maybe not. I have been using a conditioner from West Marine just for flushing. I assume the conditioner helps even more than just running fresh water through, but if it does not run through the pump assembly, the conditioner does not help keep the rubber impellers flexible. Is that correct?
We stop @ the river otw home & drop the leg in the water & run it for 10 mins then wash @ home
For patinar..representar.