PITA impeller replacement

[shag]

Just venting. 08 SAN 230 with the 343, they sure don't make it easy for larger upper body guys (shoulders, arms, head, etc) to work on this job. I have jacking around for 2 1/2 hours trying to get the last bolt of 3, to thread back into the block after replacing the impeller. I'm cut, bruised and have carpet burns on my arms and I really want slap whomever designed this. Rant over, sorry too vent.

[Neptune442]

Lol I can totally relate to this. Just winterized my (new to me) SV211 yesterday for the first time, including V-drive and transmission fluid change, oil+filter, impeller removal, bilge cleaning, fogging cylinders, adding antifreeze - the whole 9 yards. Today my whole body hurts, just pulled a huge fiberglass splinter out of my scalp that I didn't even realize was there, and my forearms look like I lost a fight to a feral cat. At one point I legit thought I was stuck above my port side ballast compartment. I want my direct drive Sport Nautique back!

[bturner]

Seems the older I get the worse working on any boat gets but vDrives definitely take the prize for difficulty. I will say though this 16 Sport 200 is fairly easy in comparison to the other boats I'll winterize this fall. Not sure which pump you have but the one on my 343 is super easy to get to and change the impeller in comparison to the Indmar in the Malibu or the dreaded impeller change on the Ilmor I'll be doing soon. The removable rear bench seat back on the sport also make cleaning the engine up and working on the ballast pumps a breeze. The worst part of my winterization is probably draining the water out of the vDrive.That said I still have some scabs 2 weeks after finishing mine and one of the Malibu's up some 2 weeks ago. 2 down, 2 to go.

I'll be doing the MasterCraft with the Ilmor Saturday which is also going to include changing out the thermostat which will require removal of the intake plenum along with a new set of plugs, a cap and a rotor. I'm fully expecting this to take most of the day. They better have cold beer.

[srock]

The older I get the more I contract out the contortionist work. Time to get a set of wrenches in the hands of my 13 year old.

[Nautiquehunter]

Are you taking the whole pump assembly off? its about a 15 minuet job on my 08 210 343ci??

[bturner]

The older I get the more I contract out the contortionist work. Time to get a set of wrenches in the hands of my 13 year old.

My dad started me sweeping floors and basic wrench turning at about 10. I remember him breaking loose nuts/bolts then having me take them out and set them aside to organize them for reassembly. This is how you start and ensure your kids won't be helpless doing mechanical projects when they get older. Even if they don't end up with an interest at least they'll still have an understanding on how things work. Also some great father/child time.