94 Echelon w/Mercruiser Impeller question

[GrantD]

Have read various posts...know about the paint can opener tool, the "pro" tool, using dish soap or other water based lubes, bumping the motor, all those tips.

BUT...still one thing eludes me. Some have said to take complete pump off motor to do on bench. Small garage so no bench...and really once you have pulley off, can't you just get at the impeller while housing remains bolted to engine? Not looking at motor right now...but if like most engine pumps, has a bolt thru to keep on engine and then other bolt or two on a bracket for adjusting belt tension.

Btw...motor is serial # OF224903 air cleaner says Mercruiser Tournament (350ci/265HP)...so looking for as specific advice as possible for this set up. Housing does appear to be metal...is down by fuel pump on driver's side.

Was thinking about changing this out as we ran motor dry for about 20 seconds. But have not seen any negative affect afterwards on several trips. When just cruising at no wake, temp is 120. When running consistently at 30MPH or so, temp is 160, never higher, and comes right down when we go slower. So, think impeller is fine...

Thanks to all in past for other answers on issues/questions. Boat has been a dream thanks to you all. Now if only the temp in the Chicago area would get above 80!

[ucontrol]

Have read various posts...know about the paint can opener tool, the "pro" tool, using dish soap or other water based lubes, bumping the motor, all those tips.

BUT...still one thing eludes me. Some have said to take complete pump off motor to do on bench. Small garage so no bench...and really once you have pulley off, can't you just get at the impeller while housing remains bolted to engine? Not looking at motor right now...but if like most engine pumps, has a bolt thru to keep on engine and then other bolt or two on a bracket for adjusting belt tension.

Btw...motor is serial # OF224903 air cleaner says Mercruiser Tournament (350ci/265HP)...so looking for as specific advice as possible for this set up. Housing does appear to be metal...is down by fuel pump on driver's side.

Was thinking about changing this out as we ran motor dry for about 20 seconds. But have not seen any negative affect afterwards on several trips. When just cruising at no wake, temp is 120. When running consistently at 30MPH or so, temp is 160, never higher, and comes right down when we go slower. So, think impeller is fine...

Most likely the impellar is

fine from what you said. But why take a chance? They are only about $40.00 to buy and easy to change. I had an 87 skier and it was best to remove the water pump from the engine. When you did that, the plates, front and rear, are removed from the pump and you can push the impellar thru either the front or the rear as it is open on both ends. There are only 4 bolts that hold the pump to the engine. I now have an 04 with an indomar engine, and all you do is remove the front plate and leave the pump on the engine. A spray of wd 40 onto the impellar and a quick bump of the starter and the impellar slides loose from the shaft for fairly easy removal. Then coat the new impellar with vasoline or soap and slide it back on the shaft, with a new gasket, and reinstall and you are ready to go. Easy?