Impeller removal tool for a DD?

[Miljack]

I've searched and found a couple of ideas, but I haven't been able to make one idea work; two paint can openers won't remove my impeller from the pump.
On my engine the pump is bolted to the crank pulley, so it's right behind the ski pylon, and there's only about 4" between the two. If the impeller is not totally destroyed, getting it out can be a pain.
The tool Skidim sells states that 5" is required to fit it in there, any other ideas?
When using the two paint can openers, any tricks to that? Are you taping a piece of wood to one and using a clamp?

thanks,

[WakeSlayer]

Jack, I have had mine out a couple times. Never had a problem other than cramming myself back in the engine compartment next to that beast. Can you get some angled needlenose in there? Grab a vane and pry it out off to the side with a small block under the handle for leverage?

[teamseal]

Hi
We run into that all the time because we change out a lot of impellers on Indmar products.
The trick we use is to spray the hub of the impeller with wd-40, pry a couple of times around three or four sides of the impeller, then reach up and bump the starter over so as that the impeller spins a few rotations in the housing. That usally frees it up and makes it slide right out. 95% of the time.

Jody

[Tim-Krasin]

I haven't had success removing the impeller wheel with the housing still attached to the boat. I remove the top and bottom hose, loosen and remove the belt from the pulley and take the entire unit out from the boat. Then once the two halves are separated, pulling the paddle wheel out is easy. I use silicon spray when I place the new one it to make it all slip nicely since there won't be any wter in there initially.

[east tx skier]

Hi
We run into that all the time because we change out a lot of impellers on Indmar products.
The trick we use is to spray the hub of the impeller with wd-40, pry a couple of times around three or four sides of the impeller, then reach up and bump the starter over so as that the impeller spins a few rotations in the housing. That usally frees it up and makes it slide right out. 95% of the time.

Jody

This is what I used to do with our MasterCraft, only with soapy water instead of WD-40. On my current boat, I just pull the pump housing (orientation is marked).