Damaged Impeller

[Kevin]

I unintentionally ran my engine without the seawater intake valve open and shredded my impeller. I am concerned where those little pieces might have gone. What do I need to do to get things back to normal other that removing and cleaning the water pump i/o openings, replacing the impeller, and inspecting the housing for scoring or are those steps enough? Please don't tell me I need to rebuild the engine!Thanks in advance for all advice.

 

[John Visser]

check the heat exchanger

When I first got my C-36, I changed the impeller as a matter of course, and found that the old one was somewhat tattered. Initially, I had marginal to poor cooling. I decided to upgrade to the larger heat exchager. When I opened the old one at the inspection port, I found sea grass and chuncks of old impeller blocking some of the cooling tubes. So, I think it is quite likely that the impeller pieces will make their way to the heat exchanger. The question is, how long will it take? I would check there now, and periodically for a while. I would also flush the block with a garden hose to get an intuitive feel for how the water is flowing.jv

 

[Wendell]

Gallery Marine on Lake Union

Kevin,We've had great service from Gallery Marine on Lake Union in Seattle; both over the phone and at their shop. They can probably give you diagnostic tips as well as have parts and materials you may need for repair.