Impeller lube?

[John T1594]

I would like to know what others recommend &/or use for lubrication when the engine water pump impeller is replaced. I saw a list some years ago (in Practical Sailor I think) that listed a whole series of possible lubricants - from silicone to vaseline to dish detergent. Almost every one caused moderate to severe degrading of the nitryl or neoprene rubber used in most impellers. I change my impeller every two years over the winter and the pump impeller sits for a 2-3 months coated with a lubricant. I use plain old dish detergent, as the safest lubricant. It seems to work well and I have not seen any soap bubbles from my exhaust in the spring. Any recommendations?

 

[MatM]

Olive oil

Mack Boring recommends using olive oil to store the impeller over the winter. This will also act as a lubricant.

 

[Fred Ficarra]

John, the two materials you mentioned are

suitable for storing with plutonium. And they are used to pump things like oil. Works in carburetors for needles to control gasoline flow. Where did you hear such things, besides from our good friends at Practical Sailor?

 

[Paul Akers]

Impeller Lube

John, The lube only lasts for a few seconds and is basically used so that the impeller will not be run dry after it has been changed. Water is the primary lubricant, otherwise. Only a very small amount of dish detergent is needed. And it is only needed on the vanes of the impeller until raw water gets into the pump housing.