Impeller replacement shedule on outboard

[Heidi]

How often should you change the impeller on an outboard motor. I have NEVER serviced one, nor had a problem with

an impeller in my 46 years on the planet. One of my friends

won't get in my boat without it being replaced. Average use

of the motors at my lake home. I was quoted about $130 to change it at a dealer in the cities and he said it should be done at least every two years. What say yee? Thanks

[marine_man]

To some extent it depends on the use.

If it were me I'd have it replaced 3-4 years. The flip side of the coin is that the rubber ages on it's on regardless of use.

Pricewise that's probably not too bad... it's a relatively easy project to tackle on your own if you're mechanically inclined.

marine_man

[sparcebag]

Heidi; I'm with you,I've never replaced one or had one go bad!But it may be that i havent yet owned a outboard newer than 1989,I do have a 1996 Mariner but its ok.I'll keep my eyes on this post to see what the norm is tho.

[Scott K]

I have owned several motors through the years and had to only replace 1 so far, but that was my river boat and it got chewed up by sand. Im not saying that the rubber wont deteriate sooner or later, but I havent had it happen to me yet. My motor is 4 years old, should I be replacing it for maint? Im sure its a good idea, but I think if you stay out of sandy water, and dont run it out of water, they should last for longer then that, but I guess its better to replace before it goes bad to prevent engine damage!

[RobertELee]

I have had to replace one on my outboard once after I noticed the stream of water almost completly stop. Fairly simple to do. Just took about 3-4 hours and about $40 for a new impeller. When I removed the impeller from the housing 3 of the 5 fingers were cracked or broken. That was about 4 years ago and I'm thinking of doing it again this spring for insurance. I would suggest if you don't want to spend the money to replace it, at the very least keep an eye on the pee stream.

[Big Walleye 58]

I personally know someone that has a 1984 115hp Johnson with an absolute ton of hours ( literally thousands )and has never replaced it . Not that I would ever suggest that someone do what he has done (or not done) but I just can't believe it is still working just fine . I don't know if he is trying to set a record or what . I keep telling him it will just plain give up when day and of course at the worst time and place .

[CatManLee]

You'll probably hear that it's best to replace it every couple of years. However as several people have noted above, I also change mine only when I need to.

I have come to realize that changing it every other year or so isn't really needed "most times". I had to change one a couple years ago when I noticed the stream being weaker after accidentally running the lower unit through some really thick mud!! But, I'm willing to bet if that hadn't happened it would still be fine today.

I would just keep an eye on it. If you think the stream seams weaker, replace it otherwise don't worry about it. You should always check out the water flow coming from the motor anyways. I have made it a habit to look back at the motor and see if it's pumping water alright every time I start my boat and from time to time as I'm driving (when it's safe) to make sure the flow is strong at high speeds as well.

Again, I'm not saying this is the "right thing" to do, Just my 2-Cents....

[eurolarva]

When the rubber starts to deteriate it can get logged in the power head and plug them requiring back flushing to clean them out. Every two years for the tstat and the impellers is recommended and the reason is that 30 dollars of rubber could create 2 to 3000 dollar rebuild. I have had new ones go bad in a couple of outings and have had them last for three years without any problems. My fear is that like everything else they are becoming cheaper and because they are made cheaper they need to be replace more often.

[boatfixer]

My opinion would land between CatMan and Marine Man. I would consider the use and the time. If it is a good strong flow from the indicator, then you are probably in good shape. How old is the motor? However as Marine Man stated, keep in mind that the rubber does deteriorate with time. I have had many customers go as long as 15 years or more on an impeller with no probs. NOT RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!!!! I guess if it has been more than 5 years though I would suggest replacement just to be on the safe side. Besides, you have it out of the water now, and just think, what a pain in the backside to drag it to the cabin, put it in the water only to have it not pump. Remember, the only good test is in the water, not on muffs.

[Valv]

This question has been brought up many times this time of the year for many years.

Marine_man is correct 2 years would be my choice, you can skip longer but WHY ?

If you've got lucky not to overheat, or damage the motor there is no need to keep gambling with it.

Learn how to do it yourself, it's almost like changing oil in the car, once you do it you get quicker every time.

$ 130.00 is very good price, average is around $ 180/$ 250

Don't take a chance, replace your impeller, it's little money well spent.

[kjgmh]

Another part of changing the impeller is lubing the drive shaft splines. If you do not lube them for 15 years like was stated above, you could really run into some issues just trying to remove the gearcase. It should also be noted that some motors seem to have impellers that hold up better. The Evinrude v-4 is one of them. Older Mercs with short vanes and Yamahas do not seem to hold up as well, as an example.

[Surface Tension]

Nothing worse then being in the boat and wondering if you should replace the impeller. So if your thinking about it, just do it. Its an easy job. Buy a shop manual and you can do it yourself.

[Heidi]

Well, I think I will buy the manuel and tackle it myself.

Can't be too much too it. Thanks for the input fellas and

thanks Valv

[Hookmaster]

Where can you buy outboard manuals?

[RobertELee]

on the net and also twin city outboard sell them