Squeaky impeller?

scottmellloyditude

scottmellloyditude

.
Jul 22, 2015
56
Catalina 27 MO
I recently changed my fresh water impeller (early Sherwood) and the first time I took the 27' Catalina out for a sail I noticed it was squeaking. Not much, but it was there. The motor showed no signs of overheating and the water output was normal. I didn't use any lube when I installed it. Is this normal? Should I open it back up and lube it?
Thanks..
Scott
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,435
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
One guess is that it's not the impeller blades which are noisy but rather the hub on the plate if not fully seated. I can't imagine how or why blades would be squeaking.
 
P

Pat

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Jun 7, 2004
1,250
Oday 272LE Ninnescah Yacht Club, Wichita, Ks.
Our impeller kits come with a small tube of lubricant which I use....It only takes a second to use it and I often wonder why
the would include it in the Westerbeke kit if it did not serve a purpose....Pat
 
Ralph Johnstone

Ralph Johnstone

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Jan 4, 2006
7,264
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
Pat said:
I often wonder why
the would include it in the Westerbeke kit if it did not serve a purpose....Pat
Click to expand
Just to get you through the first few revolutions when the pump is dry. The lubricant must be water soluble so as not to coat the inside of the heat exchanger and attract dirt.
 
scottmellloyditude

scottmellloyditude

.
Jul 22, 2015
56
Catalina 27 MO
seems reasonable that the hub would be rubbing the metal housing.... did sound more like the metal was "ringing".. I guess the other question is.. Should I pull it out and try to re-seat? I though I followed the instructions but guess it didn't get in far enough...
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

.
Sep 25, 2008
7,435
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
scottmellloyditude said:
seems reasonable that the hub would be rubbing the metal housing.... did sound more like the metal was "ringing".. I guess the other question is.. Should I pull it out and try to re-seat? I though I followed the instructions but guess it didn't get in far enough...
Click to expand
Just pull off the cover plate and look at it. Any teltable rubbing from a hub not completely seated would likely show as wear on the plate.

As Ralph pointed out, the lube only serves a purpose until enough water enters the pump to self-lubricate the housing and blades
 
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