A novel way to change a water pump impeller

[fno]

It seems that with self quarantine and no desire to be around others finding stuff to do and new ways to do them is a priority these days. So in the last few weeks I have changed my outboard engine oil, lower unit oil, inspected the prop and prop shaft, diagnosed a not working fuel level sender ( float don't float), replaced tilt and trim cylinder seals, and today replacing the water pump impeller. I found a novel way to support the lower unit while changing the impeller. One has to be blessed to have a tractor or forklift and the fortitude to do this job. Take note that I clamped the ends of the forks to prevent them from spreading out and dropping the lower unit on the concrete. Below are a few pictures of my work and a last shot of the not so worn out impeller. Total cost for peace of mind was $37.28 for the impeller and about two hours of my time and three beers.

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[ConB]

Frank, you get extra bonus points if you can reinstall the lower unit while still on the tractor forks.
Con

[fno]

No chance Con. I don’t even need to look at the driveshaft cost to say no way. But I was foolish in doing it by hand by myself. One screwup and the $$$ could be exponentially greater.

[jimh]

In the shop at LOCKEMAN'S HARDWARE AND BOATS there is a wooden fixture for holding a gear case that is very similar to your fork lift blade adaptation. The wood on that fixture is very well worn, and the fixture looks like it was made maybe 50-years-ago. I am sure thousands of outboard gear cases have been placed on that fixture to get their water pump serviced.

Your fork lift adaptation looks great, and it has an additional feature of being able to be raised or lowered to a suitable height.

[dtmackey]

Frank, your post made me chuckle since I find all sorts of excuses to use the Kubota to do boat work and make it an easier task.



D-

[Oldslowandugly]

Very clever! Sure beats the poor guy I saw trying to do that on a boat in the water. I still can't believe he did not drop a single thing. I told the people watching whatever you are paying him it should be three times as much.

[biggiefl]

I changed a water pump impellor at a sandbar once. We were lucky to be a few miles from a waterfront dealership to buy the part.

[Phil T]

Sorry to say but having a tractor (and the space to use it) is cheating!