Impeller mysteries ...

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Oct 26, 2008
6,432
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
Removing the shaft assembly ...

MS, the assembly is as you describe. I'm wondering how to get at the 2 oil seals. Can I just reach in with a needle-nose pliers and grab the shaft and pull the entire assembly out?

Rich, the most plausible reason that I can think of is as Benny describes, with the rubber separating from the hub while the hub spins. I've tried by hand to see if this happens, but I can't generate the same torque with my fingers as the engine which may be why I can't see the separation. When I replace with a new impeller, the pump is always fixed but the impellers last only a season or two. At least I've never had to replace 2 in one season, but our use of the engine is very light. It just seems odd to me that replacements are necessary so frequently. I've had an inboard ski boat for 25 years and have virtually never had an impeller failure except in unusual circumstances (like sucking mud into the intake).
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,760
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
MS, the assembly is as you describe. I'm wondering how to get at the 2 oil seals. Can I just reach in with a needle-nose pliers and grab the shaft and pull the entire assembly out?
It's all in the previous link I posted... You don't "technically" need the shaft out to replace the seals but it is wise to inspect the shaft. With the shaft out you also be able to clean the seal to pump body mating ares which is much more difficult with the shaft in place. If it is scored you'll want a new shaft too or you'll chew up the new seals. Depco pump in Florida can also re-build it or sell you a rebuilt one.
 
Dec 2, 2003
1,637
Hunter 376 Warsash, England --
Scott,
Seals
Tap out the shaft as Maine shows in his link above then, using a wooden dowel about 5/16" dia, pass it through one seal so it bears on the lower one and tap the lower seal out working from side to side as it moves.
Then turn the pump over and repeat for the second seal.
You will probably damage the seals in the process but seals are cheap.

Press in the new seals using another dowel, this one being the actual outside diameter of the seal.
Go gently and it is an easy job.
 
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