Is there anything special I should know when replacing the impller on the Westerbeke 42 B. ? Mine is 3 year old and I think it's time!
Thanks,
Thanks,
Replacing the water pump Impeller
- Thread starter sailortaylor
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3 years old? I believe you shouldn't let it for so long. It's cost is relatively cheap in comparison what it's failure could cost. I change mine annually.
Sailortaylor
Two thing I would consider worth doing, turn off your sea cock before disassembling impeller housing, buy another impeller ASAP and store on yacht, it pays to have a spare.
P.S. Dont forget to turn the sea cock back to open...?
Two thing I would consider worth doing, turn off your sea cock before disassembling impeller housing, buy another impeller ASAP and store on yacht, it pays to have a spare.
P.S. Dont forget to turn the sea cock back to open...?
Make sure the vanes on the new impeller are facing the same as the old. Funny but it's easy to forget. Or maybe it's just me 
If any bits or pieces are missing see if they're stuck in the opening as they can block water flow. To keep the face plate gasket in place smear a light amount of grease or Vaseline on it. Be careful you don't pinch it or it may leak. To help get the new impeller in a little soap on the vanes helps. I've also used a large hose clamp to compress the vanes. Once it's partially inserted you can remove the clamp and finish inserting it. As long as you have clear access to the pump it's an easy job. Good luck.
If any bits or pieces are missing see if they're stuck in the opening as they can block water flow. To keep the face plate gasket in place smear a light amount of grease or Vaseline on it. Be careful you don't pinch it or it may leak. To help get the new impeller in a little soap on the vanes helps. I've also used a large hose clamp to compress the vanes. Once it's partially inserted you can remove the clamp and finish inserting it. As long as you have clear access to the pump it's an easy job. Good luck.And don't waste your money buying any "special" tool for removing the old impeller. Just pull it using two screwdrivers.
As Mike said, as long as you have clear access it's an easy job.
As Mike said, as long as you have clear access it's an easy job.
The impeller pump body is soft bronze: Be very careful not to score the impeller cavity with extraction tools, you want a smooth surface for your new impeller to run on. If you ding or push up a ridge on the lip of the pump you will need to file and sand it flat or risk creating a poor fit for the pump cover and leakage. I grab the impeller hub with a vice-grip and pull it straight back and out.
Lube the impeller, and the impeller shaft with impeller grease or marine grease to ease the install. Don't worry about the fin orientation - they sort themselves out when the engine first turns over.
Lube the impeller, and the impeller shaft with impeller grease or marine grease to ease the install. Don't worry about the fin orientation - they sort themselves out when the engine first turns over.
I did it very easily with a pair of pliers. I had to change it because I forgot to open the valve first there was this burning rubber smell for 2 minutes and I was wondering why!!!
Bought two... You never know!
there was this burning rubber smell for 2 minutes and I was wondering why!!!Bought two... You never know!
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