Let's Talk Water Pumps

[Smokinal]

My little Nitro is a 1996 with a 75hp Merc. Always fresh water but never had a water pump done. I'm kind of thinking I should replace it just due to age as I don't want to be stuck on the water with no flow.

What's you thouhgts on just changing them as PM? Usual life expactancy?

I'm pretty mechanically inclined and I'm sure I could do it myself, just wondering if there are any good vids on this so I feel a little more confident going into it?

 

[tin boat]

I differ from most, if it ain't broke, I ain't fixing it. My 72'(yes, a 43 year old impellor), 87', and 98' are all original. As long as my water pressure gauge stays above 10, I'm not touching it.

[A-Jay]

At the very least the impeller should be checked seasonally and replaced routinely.  How often depends on use but once the impeller fins develop too much "memory" (meaning they are all bent or curved and stay that way when removed) it's lost some of it's efficiency and should be replaced. Also if & when it starts to dry out a little, making it brittle and increases the potential for failure, I'd change it.  Also carrying a spare is a good Idea too.  Over time the gaskets can rot out which is not a desirable situation either, replacement is necessary.

 

There's a ton of videos on youtube that walk a DIYer through it.

 

A-Jay

[Way2slow]

With the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude, means it will probably be broke at the worst possible time and cost tons more, when dealing with routine maintenance items, That's like waiting for the timing belt in an engine to break before replaceing it, and it bends every valve in the head, or the serpentine belt to break and fry the engine. I guess we wait until our axle is sliding on the highway before we decide it's time to check and pack the wheel bearings

I replace my water pump impellers every three years. A couple hours of work and the the minor cost of the impeller is a hellava lot less than the trouble one can cause if it goes bad.

Personally, I fell it's better to fix it before it does break, that's why they are called serviceable or routine maintenance items.

[Thornback]

If you are mechanically inclined you can do it yourself. As suggested, look it up on YouTube. The part is cheap. So you need to weigh 2 hours of labor and $30 against getting stuck in the middle of a lake or several miles down river, or an engine overheating and ruining it, or a piece of the old brittle impeller break off and get stuck in the water jacket. Let me think -- spend $30 or . . . -- never mind

[Smokinal]

 getting stuck in the middle of a lake or several miles down river, or an engine overheating and ruining it, or a piece of the old brittle impeller break off and get stuck in the water jacket

OK OK STOP!! I'm having bad visions here  lol.

Seriously though, thanks for the input. I watched some vids and it doesn't look bad; I'm sure I can do it.

I'll keep you posted.

[Long Mike]

I firmly agree with most of the other responders.  By all means, change the impeller.  I'm 68, and I change the impeller on my 150 Merc every couple of years, although I have to confess that the weight of the lower unit is beginning to tax me a bit.

[gulfcaptain]

Preventive maintenance is always cheaper the reactive maintenance.  That saying " if it ain't broke don't fix it".....well it will that will leave you broke financially when it does in more costly repairs.

[BassnChris]

Get a buddy to help you......just always better to someone available if things go a little sideways. If it doesn't go sideways then it's just easier with people.

I change out my impeller every other year.

[blackmax135]

I have a 94 mercury and the water pump had never been replaced. Finally replaced the whole water pump witch is 40 or 50 bucks. A friend is a good idea like BassnChris said.  Lots of youtube videos to help.  I would suggest pulling your boat and trailer up onto ramps so you don't have to bend over so much.  Made it 10 times easier for me.  whole process Took about 30 min. Go ahead and replace the whole thing is my advice. Putting the foot back on was the hard part and could have used a friend make sure you don't force it on because I tried and now the water line is a little mest up.

[WIGuide]

They should be changed every 2 to 5 years. Even if you don't use it they can dry out. I'd rather spend a few bucks than a lot of them because I was trying to skimp.