Baller LoopSki Posted June 14, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 14, 2023 (edited) Make the cover to the water pump out of a clear material so you can visually see the status of impeller? Edited June 14, 2023 by LoopSki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rockdog Posted June 14, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 14, 2023 (edited) Lack of material options. Couldn't be acrylic. Edited June 14, 2023 by rockdog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 03RLXi Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 The right kind of glass might work. Not sure if impeller would be polishing it or scratching it as it rotates. Probably depend on how much silt or grit is in the water. Question is would a transparent cover encourage 'she'll be right for a bit longer' poor maintenance? I've often wondered about one of these https://engineguard.com.au/ to catch the loose or blown water pipe scenario where the in engine block water sensor might not due to lack of water Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Cnewbert Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 Cheap part, easy to replace. So I just replace mine regularly per the owner’s manual recommended interval. Though I’m sure they are far from the end of their service life at that point, it keeps me from worrying about them and that’s well worth the expense. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted June 15, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 What do you guys think? I rather not deal with the struggle to remove and replace right now. Last time it was a bitch. 2017 Prostar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Rednucleus Posted June 15, 2023 Baller_ Share Posted June 15, 2023 How manyhours/seasons on it? But doesn't really matter because you took the cover off and let in the evil spirits! 2 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jedgell Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 Not familiar with the MC but with the Nautiques I’ve had it’s a quick and easy job. Maybe 20 mins. I just spend the $40 and change out each year so I don’t have to worry about it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 03RLXi Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 4 hours ago, LoopSki said: What do you guys think? I rather not deal with the struggle to remove and replace right now. Last time it was a bitch. 2017 Prostar. Replace it now. Because it's cheap and because it's easy and because it's very cheap engine insurance. While you're doing it make sure you put on a new gasket as based on the corrosion it looks like old one may have been leaking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skihacker Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 Fwiw I found it easier to remove the pump to do it, the belt tensioner can be locked back with a pin or Allen wrench, couple bolts and hose clamps and it's on the bench. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jpwhit Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 (edited) 8 hours ago, jedgell said: Not familiar with the MC but with the Nautiques I’ve had it’s a quick and easy job. Maybe 20 mins. I just spend the $40 and change out each year so I don’t have to worry about it. PCM makes impeller replacement much easier than Ilmor. I can typically do the 200 in less than 15 minutes. On the ProStar it takes me twice as long and I use the impeller puller on the ProStar. On the MasterCraft Wakeboat, I pull the whole pump because that's the fastest way in the end. Edited June 15, 2023 by jpwhit 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jpwhit Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 9 hours ago, LoopSki said: What do you guys think? I rather not deal with the struggle to remove and replace right now. Last time it was a bitch. 2017 Prostar. I don't think you can really tell by looking at the end of the impeller. The first place you start to loose pieces is in the center of the vanes and you simply can't see that from the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Stevie Boy Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 (edited) Worth replacing before the season starts, I don,t know about the prostar but on a nautique the tone of the engine changes, it becomes a bit more throaty, giving you a indication.it needs to be replaced. Let me think, do I want to take the pain and replace it, or do I want to potentially damage the engine, umm🙄 Edited June 15, 2023 by Stevie Boy 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 Outboards have a telltale for a reason, so long as there is flow coming out you know the pressure is high enough. You could also do this with an LED so I would say the surprise is we don't have a way to be alerted that the pressure from the inlet pump dropped off. Hot tubs have one of these, if the flow isn't sufficient they shut off power to the heater. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted June 15, 2023 Baller_ Share Posted June 15, 2023 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted June 15, 2023 Baller_ Share Posted June 15, 2023 I have also seen the impeller rubber split along the shaft hub. +1 on replacing once you have it apart, that one will be a nice spare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller VONMAN Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 I went 6 seasons with my new Merc 200 outboard (2015 new) when I decided to rebuild the water pump. You have to pull the lower unit from the motor. Remove the water pump housing to get at the impeller and to my surprise the impeller looked brand new. I replaced it anyway giving me peace of mind for the next 6, maybe 7 seasons. After all it took to inspect the old impeller I wasn't about to not replace it. Depending on the lake water temp my motor runs 110 to 130 degrees here in Florida. Peace of mind baby. Ernie Schlager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller S1Pitts Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 I installed a PCM impeller for my GT-40 and got 4 seasons of good service. When I removed it there were no cracks, it was still soft and it is now living in my glove box as a spare. I noticed that my boat was running a bit warmer than usual so I had a look and found the PCM replacement I installed last season is looking pretty rough. Same lake, same water, no changes to use of boat, same storage procedure. So now I am thinking the impeller PCM is supplying is possibly not as good as the "older" ones. I had a simular experience when I used a generic replacement impeller. Pulling and inspecting is now going to happen annually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ETskier Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 @DW great pic of the old invisible V8 model. I built one in 1968. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Kelvin Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 They could always use "transparent aluminum", but I suspect the cost would be astronomical! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Golfguy Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 I have had the impeller fail in the middle of a big lake. I also replace once a year. If the impeller implodes, the rubber pieces clog the cooling system and are very difficult to remove completely. Replace it as good insurance. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Cnewbert Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 @LoopSki the impellers will only get harder to pull the longer you wait. I’d do it sooner rather than later myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Garn Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 I replace mine every year. I know its overkill. But it is cheap insurance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jhughes Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 I have a large collection of pretty much mint impellers from changing them over the years. I have had two failures in the Sherwood style PCM 351 pumps, both were the rubber separating from the hub which is an instant 100% failure! They look perfect otherwise. So a visual inspection wouldn't really help. I change them every 2 seasons or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted June 16, 2023 Baller_ Share Posted June 16, 2023 My ski tug uses the belt driven Jabsco pump. Had a bearing failure a few years back, locked the pump, the belt started squealing like a castrated pig coupled with a giant cloud of blue smoke billowing from the motor box. That's a slightly more exciting way to stop your raw water intake stream at 36 mph:-) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller liquid d Posted June 16, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 16, 2023 OMG!!! CHANGE IT TWICE A YEAR AND BE QUIET! IT'S 30 BUCKS! YOU'RE NEVER GOING TO SEE DAMAGE UNTIL IT'S ABSOLUTELY GONE ANYWAY! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TallSkinnyGuy Posted June 16, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 16, 2023 I squirt a little dish soap between the vanes, pull the safety cord out so the engine won't start, then turn the engine a few times to get the soap distributed around. If I know I am not going to keep the impeller I used needle nose pliers and pull it out. When it is lubed up with the soap it usually comes out much easier. If I just want to inspect the impeller I still usually have to use the needle nose pliers to get it out but am more careful -- i.e. I don't use as much pressure and pull it out more slowly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted June 16, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 16, 2023 (edited) Son of a bitch. Should have left alone. I was afraid this would happen. Cannot for the life on me get the impeller in without knocking out the key. Zip tied impeller , greased, wd40. Released tension on belt to move to 12. Knocks it off or jams it sticking up. I must have tried 50 times and whole pack of zip ties. Many hours later, ran out of time and going camping boatless. Thanks guys for the bad advice to just change it!!’ Lol. Should have left good enough alone to make it through the weekend. If you haven’t changed one on an ilmore you don’t know! Edited June 17, 2023 by LoopSki 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted June 16, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 16, 2023 (edited) Now i gotta sit on the shore with all the broke dicks and I don’t like camping. FML Edited June 16, 2023 by LoopSki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skihacker Posted June 16, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 16, 2023 Kinda why I said put it on the bench, got very lucky first time I did Mina, and not so much second time, it's really hard on the knees and back when mounted to the engine also but that freaking key...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted June 16, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 16, 2023 I know! Sore and pissed. Should have took pump off. I just ran out of time. I also got it first time. Second I assumed i was golden since I had all the tricks down. But after 3 hours and alot of swear words , I had to make the decision to get to campsite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Stevie Boy Posted June 17, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 17, 2023 (edited) "Now I gotta sit on the shore with all the broke dicks" Nice ! There maybe people less fortunate, than some, but I am sure most of them are good people. Edited June 17, 2023 by Stevie Boy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted June 17, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 17, 2023 10 hours ago, Stevie Boy said: "Now I gotta sit on the shore with all the broke dicks" Nice ! There maybe people less fortunate, than some, but I am sure most of them are good people. I was just joking. But if I don’t get the impellar in today, I’m just gonna buy a new boat! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted June 17, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 17, 2023 (edited) Figured it out. One simple thing oversight! After you move the pump spindle to 12. Re engage the belt so it wont move as you re install the impeller. Wish i would realized this yesterday!!!! Edited June 17, 2023 by LoopSki 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Mastercrafter Posted June 18, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 18, 2023 Mannnn this is a sub-10 minute job for me every year with my MV8. Karma must be after you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted June 18, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 18, 2023 13 hours ago, Mastercrafter said: Mannnn this is a sub-10 minute job for me every year with my MV8. Karma must be after you. It will be now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted June 20, 2023 Baller_ Share Posted June 20, 2023 Gotta ask, how were the mosquito's at the campsite? 🤣 Glad it did come together, even if past your goal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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