My issue with Yanmar design engineers.

[rfrye1]

I honestly think Yanmar makes a great aux Diesel engine. The Yanmar in my '98 Hunter 376 has been flawless.

Now my issue. Why in the heck do they put the raw water impeller back on the side behind the starter? One would think Yanmar's design team would put it front and center, so changing it under challenging conditions would be easier. I have even cut an access panel into my head wall to gain side access to my engine. Even with that, it's still a challenge. I can't imagine what it would be like in stormy seas!

 

[Tricia]

I find it much easier to remove the whole pump.

Then you have the cover right in front of you, the screws can't disappear as easily, and you don't have to make yourself into a pretzel.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

The impeller on our our 3GM30F is a bit easier to access than on your engine. I think Hunter should have considered this problem when they selected the engine for this model or they should have designed the engine room to allow reasonable servicing access.
I have to say for a boat our 356 has pretty good access to service the motor. To eliminate the raw water pump service issues we ordered Speedseal Life kit for our water pump. It is supposed to be able to run dry without burning up the impeller and greatly extend impeller life. I think we will still change it out once a year but for the cost if it eliminates one unplanned impeller change it is worth it.

Here is the web site, http://www.speedseal.com/SpeedsealLife/SpeedsealLife.html

You order it direct from England, arrived in our USA marina by mail in about 2 weeks. Appears to be very well made.

Bob

 

[Steve Dion]

Ah! They may have listened to someone. The newer engines have them front and center!

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Yanmar ...

Yes! On my new 2YM15 the water pump is as accessible as can be.

 

[DougM]

The pump on the 2GM20F is mounted in the same position as the 2YM. The only difference is that the access for the impeller faces aft. Rotation direction is evidently opposite.

 

[Steve Dion]

Scott: Did you bit-h to Yanmar before you got that engine? It really does make a lot of sense to have them like this.

The only thing with the JH engines is that the impellers last a lot longer then the old GM's. That only makes you feel better until all of your knuckles are raw and bleeding. I also cut an access panel on the side of the engine compartment to assist in changing the critter. It now only takes about 15-20 minutes and 2 brews!!

 

[Steve Dion]

Access panel for JH

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=916329&highlight=access dion

 

[Chris Patterson]

Some of them are just a bear. I can get to the one on my Westerbeke ok, but it sure is not convenient. It's mostly by feel.
A guy I've been helping with his boat, has a little 30hp Yanmar, in a 30 foot boat, that the impeller will not come out at all. No way. The pump has to come off. That's not a huge deal, but wow.
Which is if I ever get to repower another 30 something footer, I like that Beta. Everythings in front. Anyway, that's not to knock Yanmar at all, I worked on a Dufour a while back that had the impeller looking me right in the face. These are some of the attention details that often seem to fall through the cracks. Or it just boils down to a compromise..

 

[higgs]

Proper maintenance would ensure that the impeller would not be changed under "challenging conditions". that said, i find myself making these types of repairs under challenging conditions due to my lack of proper maintenance. I just had to rplace my racor filter on the run.

 

[ed stack]

We just replaced our engine on our Pearson 32 with a 3YM20. Impeller cover faces forward, so it's right in front of anybody (me) working on it. Have to say, that the previous 22 year old Universal 5411 had a similar setup. Guess its the luck of the draw. Ask me about ridiculous thru-hull locations where Pearson sadly failed...

 

[Chris Patterson]

Here's that Dufour. I just ran across the pic. I guess some builders engine guys, are not in touch with the hull guys. Who knows..

On mine however, I firmly get to blame it on some past owner. And I'm sticking with that tale.

 

[David W]

On my 2QM15 I have to take the pump off to change the impeller. Makes me wonder,if I could adapt a forward facing pump from a 2GM.

 

[Gunni]

I have the popular 4JH3E, and very good access to all sides of the engine, but wow, that raw water pump under the starter is a bear. Installed the Speedseal Life and have been very happy. You don't need a screw / nut driver to take the cover off, and the replacement cover includes a teflon bearing that greatly reduces impeller heat and wear. I just went 2 years on my impeller and it showed no wear or stress fractures. It really helps to get an impeller puller - makes short work of this job. Get your kit right and you can change out an impeller in less than 10 minutes, even with the boat rolling about.