new here - problem with 98 sport nautique GT-40

[txguy]

Just took it to the lake and dropped it in the water - while idling out of the ramp, I noticed white steam (more than usual) coming out of the exhaust. Then I looked at the dash and saw the temp at like 210. I shut it down - opened the hood and didnt see anything unusual other than the smell of overheating. Let it cool a bit and then started it up but only let it run for 30 -45 seconds to point it back at the ramp to get back to shore. I believe my impeller is the problem. Boat has 136 hours on it. Never changed the impeller. Dealer charges $200 for the repair. I took it to the dealer but am somewhat mechanically inclined so I would like to know how to do this myself. Anyone have some procedures written (pictures would be a bonus)? Think I damaged anything?

Thanks in advance,

TXGUy

[Mikeski]

RE: new here - problem with 98 sport nautique GT-40

Easy to do, figure 15-30 minutes once you get it down, maybe 1-2 hours if a fair amount of head scratching is involved. Should be three bolts to remove the back of the pump, 7/16" socket if my memory serves correctly. Put a little grease on it upon replacement. If it's already steaming it's likely you will have a few missing blades lodged in the thermostat cap, figure another 15 minutes to get those out and re-silicone the gasket.

[txguy]

new here - problem with 98 sport nautique GT-40

Thanks Mike - is the pump you are taking about the water pump on the middle front of the engine or is there some other pump? I wish I would have taken a picture of the motor and posted it with this thread. It sounds really easy if I could just identify the parts you are talking about...... :mrgreen:

[lukeduke95]

RE: new here - problem with 98 sport nautique GT-40

Should be only two seperate items mounted to the front of your motor. Alternator and raw water pump. The impeller is inside of this raw water pump. They come apart pretty easy. No need to remove your water pump mounted to the motor, just check the thermostat for pieces of the impeller if it is destroyed when you remove it from the raw water pump.

[Rick]

RE: new here - problem with 98 sport nautique GT-40

If you search on raw water pump I beleive you will find a thread with a picture. It is at the end of the hose coming from the thru-hull fitting. Should have 4 7/16th bolts holding the cover on I agree with both of the above Grease it with KYsome petroleum greases will eat the rubber. Make sure the key is in the shaft before slipping the new impeller on. Also check the strainer. If it has an air leak with the o-ring not seated right it can also cause overheating. It is located between the fitting and pump.

[DavidF]

RE: new here - problem with 98 sport nautique GT-40

TXguy:

Where in Austin are you located. If you want, you can pull to my house and I will show you how to change the impellar so you can do it in the future and save the $200 that I assume Sail and Ski quoted you. $200 seems too high, unless they assumed they would have to look for pieces of the impellar throughout the engine, then I guess $200 is fine.

[txguy]

new here - problem with 98 sport nautique GT-40

thanks guys - David, I will take you up on that offer when I get my boat back. Sail and Ski did quote the $200 price and said they may have to find the missing pieces of the impeller (said they usually get caught at the thermostat). I didnt know where else to go in Austin so I was stuck. Thanks for the great offer - I will PM you when I get my boat back. Do you think it would be a good idea to get my boat and just take it to your house and not have Sail and Ski perform the service????