how to Remove the Impellers (for dummies)

[Julian]

Added to the FAQ under maintenance.

 

[DCB-270]

This how I did it without a vise.

 

[Big Shasta]

This how I did it without a vise.View attachment 47112

I Like it...I would suggest a box end wrench slipped over the shaft to the impeller nut.....really prevents slipping and makes it feel more secure with the torque required....especially if you end up with a 4 foot cheater bar.

 

[DCB-270]

You are right. I did have to get a box end and a propane torch to get them off the first time.

 

[Bruce]

This worked for one of our impellers. The other required a vice and a cheater bar. I left them sitting vertical with PB blaster sitting above the threads the night before.

 

[su laxplayer21]

View attachment 13333

the impeller shaft can only be separated from the duct (the part with bearings) with a press ...disassembling this portion is not necessary for impeller replacement.

I am looking to replace impellers if necessary in the off season, but have to replace the main bearings, or seals on my port motor. Can all of this be done from the outside of the boat or do you have to remove engine mounting bolts and get it out of the way? Great write up btw!

 

[Bruce]

@su laxplayer21, are you replacing the "housing bearing" that seals the engine compartment or the bearing that holds the shaft at the back of the pump. If it is the bearing at the back this should help https://jetboaters.net/threads/chan...-and-switching-to-oil-bath-lubrication.10155/

 

[su laxplayer21]

@su laxplayer21, are you replacing the "housing bearing" that seals the engine compartment or the bearing that holds the shaft at the back of the pump. If it is the bearing at the back this should help https://jetboaters.net/threads/chan...-and-switching-to-oil-bath-lubrication.10155/

Ya Bruce I have to replace the housing bearing, because water is dripping from where the housing meets the stern of the boat.

 

[CrankyGypsy]

it may not necessarily be the bearing/seals, but rather the vulcanized rubber separating from the housing. in any case, the engine will need to be slid forward.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/how-to-replace-the-coupler-bearing-in-the-bearing-housing.5509/

 

[Bruce]

Ya Bruce I have to replace the housing bearing, because water is dripping from where the housing meets the stern of the boat.

Fortunately I have not had to bother with those bearings. My guess is that you could remove them after pulling the pump. The shaft would no longer be through the bearing so you should be able to unbolt and lift it. But if I were doing it I would pull the engines to make room to work and to allow inspection and replacement of everything under the engine.

 

[su laxplayer21]

You guys are awesome, I appreciate all of the help. The task at hand looks like it could be a little tedious haha.

 

[HughSethner]

I think you could have saved yourself some work by only removing the outer 4 bolts on the pump, not the ones that attach it to the transom. This would have saved you from having to pry the parts apart on the floor on their own with a hammer (doing it on the boat is easier....although some have had some interesting challenges getting it apart on the boat).

Julian, I am going to attempt this job Monday. Normally, without trouble, how log would you estimate this job to take per engine?

 

[Beachbummer]

This is how I do it...

The PB Blaster bit is quite helpful, It will make it easier. Heat from a heat gun will help too!

Don't know about using the car for leverage, that's a cool move. I tried to use an SUV for leverage in pressing out some bearings on a seadoo pump and it just lifted the car!

 

[Julian]

Julian, I am going to attempt this job Monday. Normally, without trouble, how log would you estimate this job to take per engine?

Totally depends on if your shaft is stuck or not and how much effort it takes to unstick it.

But unstuck it will take you 10-15 minutes per pump.

Make sure you have a nice sold rubber mallet or hammer and wood block. Helps to get the pump separated when stuck. Then have a big screw driver or pry tool to put between the edges of the pump to gently separate them.

 

[FLJetBoater]

Totally depends on if your shaft is stuck or not and how much effort it takes to unstick it.

But unstuck it will take you 10-15 minutes per pump.

Make sure you have a nice sold rubber mallet or hammer and wood block. Helps to get the pump separated when stuck. Then have a big screw driver or pry tool to put between the edges of the pump to gently separate them.

I starter to take my impeller off, got it broken free and did a couple of (very hard) 1/2 turns with the extension. But, it doesn't seem to be getting any easier as I'm taking it off, maybe even a bit harder....I'm definitely going the right way, exactly the same direction as above. Is that normal?

 

[Beachbummer]

It's unusual but if it has been in place for many years and never removed, and there is a little rust in there, it could be expected. No harm in going back and forth a few turns while you spray with lubricant to help it along.

 

[FLJetBoater]

It's unusual but if it has been in place for many years and never removed, and there is a little rust in there, it could be expected. No harm in going back and forth a few turns while you spray with lubricant to help it along.

Thanks. That's what I've been doing....giving it a bit of a break, couple more turns, backwards a bit, more PB, etc....I guess I'll just have to stick with it.

I doubt it's ever been removed. The impeller is pretty trashed.

 

[FLJetBoater]

It's unusual but if it has been in place for many years and never removed, and there is a little rust in there, it could be expected. No harm in going back and forth a few turns while you spray with lubricant to help it along.

Now I'm really not sure. It will barely budge either way and when I CAN get it to move a little its with a ton of force and it makes like horrible sound.

 

[Beachbummer]

Can you put some heat to it? That seemed to soften mine when it was really tight (and broke the vise)

 

[FLJetBoater]

Can you put some heat to it? That seemed to soften mine when it was really tight (and broke the vise)

I don't have a torch....I could buy one I suppose. What could possibly go wrong