Changed impeller for first time and was surprised

[silver98formula]

I have owned the boat for 125 hours and figured it might not be a bad idea to change the fresh water impeller. Before I purchased the boat I was told it was just changed. What I found surprised me for being in clean water most of the time.

[Mikeski]

looks like a run-dry special

[ers906]

It actually looks like you had a lucky break. If one of those blades tore loose, it would have torn apart the rest and get sucked through the pump and into the hoses, and worse, possibly the engine cooling system. That becomes a huge pain. I replace my impellers every 50 hours or so, roughly 3-4 times per season, as well as before the season begins (since we do not typically need to winterized our boats in Arizona). For a $40 part and less than twenty minutes of work, I figure I would rather be safe than sorry. I also carry spare impellers and tools in the boat so I can change it while on the water if needed. Has happened before and saved the trip (Tuesday mid afternoon of complete glass).

[todda]

Just curious and a quick poll...any of you use a specific "lube" for your impeller when you are replacing?

[HS]

Just curious and a quick poll...any of you use a specific "lube" for your impeller when you are replacing?

. . .some came unexpectedly with my ballast pump impellers I just got.

[DanielC]

Dawn dishwashing detergent, and water makes a good impeller lube.

[Polar Express]

in the past, I have used vasalene, or there is a teflon based clear lube from 'super-lube' that i have used as well. non toxic, just something to lube the fins till the water gets to the pump...

PE

[gatorgates]

The best lube for the water parts (impeller, strainer gasket, hose connection, etc) is K-Y jelly. Just be prepared for a few funny looks when you pull the tube out of your tool box.

[AirTool]

Just curious and a quick poll...any of you use a specific "lube" for your impeller when you are replacing?

I was using dawn because I'd generally head straight to the lake after changing the impeller. It is only 20 minutes away. But the last one I didn't plan to run the boat for a week so I used solid Crisco shortening. I prefer the "real" version with the hydrogenated stuff like granny used, but our government has all but forced the makers into using new formulas. Lessening the enjoyment of croissants and Frito's Bean Dip....life is just not the same.) If your lake fish are picky, you could use butter flavor.

I'll be using Crisco from here out. Just put some in your hand and it will soften and you can lube up the impeller. It should stay in place better than the other mentions for a long time.