Possible Impeller Problem

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Jun 4, 2004
4
- - White Bear Lake
I am a new owner of a 1995 Catalina 270. It has an 18hp Westerbeke engine. Over the weekend, the "tone" of the engine suddenly changed to being less muffled and the engine temp started to slowly rise. I was close enough to my marina that the engine only ran a short time in this condition and the temp never rose to a warning level. Once docked, I checked the raw water strainer and found that it had sucked in a sizable chunk of milfoil weed. I cleaned out the strainer, but the engine is still running a bit hot. I am assuming that the impeller may have become a victim during the process. Does this sound logical? The boat didn't come with any spares so I've tracked down a replacement impeller kit and hope it is an easy repair.
 
A

agolden

Impeller Problem

It is a easy fixed...just make sure that you install the impeller in the correct direction or your'll have even bigger problems. And by the way, when you buy the impeller kit, buy two, it is always smart to have a spare onboard.
 
Jun 8, 2004
2,958
Catalina 320 Dana Point
Also good to use a silicone lube

(grease)on impellor designed for the purpose, helps to prime. Impellors will self destruct very quick if run dry, probably the older the quicker, they dry and breakdown. Usually the easiest job you'll do on the engine, good practice to replace at start of very season.
 

R4576

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Jun 27, 2004
31
- - Ottawa, Canada
impellers - another suggestion

1. Make sure that the new impeller actually matches the size of the old one. Sounds pretty basic, but I was recently sent a spare that turned out to be the wrong one. 2. Confim that the "kit" contains a gasket for the housing......sometimes they will crack when you remove the cover. 3. Remember to close the sea cock to the water engine intake before doing the repair, and to reopen it again before atarting the engine. It's easier to forget than you think :) Ron
 
Jun 4, 2004
4
- - White Bear Lake
Thanks

To everyone's assurances! I now have possession of three(!) kits with gaskets. I'm ready to take on my first diesel adventure. This quick lesson has also taught me to become more disciplined in checking my strainer as a regular routine.
 
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