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.
A novel way to change a water pump impeller
Re: A novel way to change a water pump impeller
Frank, you get extra bonus points if you can reinstall the lower unit while still on the tractor forks.
Con
Con
!987 Outrage 18 / 2011 Yamaha F150
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller
Re: A novel way to change a water pump impeller
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.
Re: A novel way to change a water pump impeller
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.
Your fork lift adaptation looks great, and it has an additional feature of being able to be raised or lowered to a suitable height.
Re: A novel way to change a water pump impeller
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.
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Re: A novel way to change a water pump impeller
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.
Re: A novel way to change a water pump impeller
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.
On my 24th Whaler. Currently in the stable: 86 18' Outrage, 81 13' Sport(original owner), 87 11' Sport, 69 Squall(for sale cheap).
Re: A novel way to change a water pump impeller
Sorry to say but having a tractor (and the space to use it) is cheating!
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003