Partially failed impeller...

[Mikeski]

Last weekend after dropping the boat in the lake I noticed it idling significantly louder than normal. I checked the temp gauge and it was normal as we accelerated it sounded like a hot boat then got quiet followed by a small white cloud out of the exhaust, since I had a boat full of guests I just made a mental note of this stuff and kept a close watch on the temp gauge. Everything went fine the rest of the day. On Sunday the same thing happened, this time we did not have guests and my wife asked why the boat sounded so loud. Same thing happened when we took off. We enjoyed the rest of the day skiing, boarding, and surfing with the engine running at normal temperatures.

Tonight I replaced the impeller and this is what I found:

[Mikeski]

RE: Partially failed impeller...

I should also note that I was dreading this in my V-drive 211 as I have heard that they are difficult to replace due to the way the back of the 211 tends to curves back over the pulleys. Well it was so easy I could not believe it. All it took was a 15mm box wrench to losen the belt tensioner and a 10mm socket with 4" extension to pop the front off the water pump. It took all of 20 minutes to get things apart (including removing the red motor cover), and another 20 minutes to get things back together. This can be done easily at the lake providing you have the metric wrenches. I was a little surprised the bolts were metric. I should note that the 10mm and 15mm metric bolts are two of the only sizes that you cannot fit with standard wrenches. The impeller is part number RP061022 if you don't carry these wrenches and parts in your boat you should. Even if you don't have the skills there is a high liklihood someone in your crew does so having the part and tools is the key to keeping your weekend intact.

[Mikeski]

RE: Partially failed impeller...

I guess I should mention that I have a 2005 Excalibur 330, other motors might require a different impeller and might have different bolts.

[Nautique211]

Mikeski, thanks for the information. I have winterized my boat and purchased a new impeller to replace the original one my 05 211 next spring. How many hours did you have on the impeller? I'm at 110Hrs with no problems but have learned the lesson not to push it with some of the threads previously posted here.

[aaron]

RE: Partially failed impeller...

I had to do an impeller change on a hot engine during the Asian Pro Tour stop in front of both the riders and the crowd, and to make things worst , it was my first impeller change on a vdrive excalibur (SANTE 2003)and i installed the WRONG impeller! HORRORS!
The impellers for the older nautiques are fractionally smaller and not noticeable unless they are placed side by side.
Dont forget to go search for any broken pieces in the cooling system.I had to remove the thermostat cover to "pick up" the remnants of my impeller.If the broken pieces are not entirely removed, the boat will still run at normal temp( 161F) but if u touch the risers, one side may be alot hotter than the other.
And i had 550-580 hrs on the factory impeller....not bad.

[Onthewater]

RE: Partially failed impeller...

Looks more than partially failed.

[Proud2BeCC]

RE: Partially failed impeller...

aaron,

I recently had a similar issue with my 2002 Sport with an Excalibur. Purchased the boat in July with 135 hours on it. My dealer told me that the Impeller had been changed or properly maintained. I pulled the pump and found that my impeller was missing approximately 75% of the blades. Also noticed when I tore into the pump that it had never been split apart (paint on the cover screws was original).

We noticed this the first time we dunked the boat in Indiana following our trip to Dale Hollow. Our last day a Dale Hollow consisted of a 25 mile (each way) trip from Sunset Marina to the North side of the lake. Good thing we did not get stranded.

Anyway, I proceeded to change the impeller out. Thought I'd save time and get the impeller kit from NAPA. Bad move. They cross referenced the part and all, however the impeller was "slightly" smaller. I mean you really had to check them out in detail to pick up the difference. Put the NAPA impeller in with no luck. I then tore into the thermostat area. Good thing! I found a lot of impeller blades in this area. Replaced the thermostat while I was in there. Purchased a new impeller from Discount Inboard Marine (PCM part number). Put everything back together and all is well.

Lesson learned for me....Always buy PCM original parts. It would have saved me a lot of frustration.

P2BCC

[redelf75]

RE: Partially failed impeller...

Mike,

Glad to hear that you correctly diagnosed the problem and was able to fix it without issue. I learned the hard way, but now realize that the impeller on an inboard is like a wheel on your car. You need to have a spare, the tools and the know-how on board at all times. Would be a nice touch if CC made a kit and mounted it neatly in the trunk, instructions and all.

[aaron]

Completely agree that impeller spares and tools are really important to keep on the boat.and dont forget those fuel pump relays.

Proud2beCC, the PCM raw water pump (on the 330 excalibur)is a sherwood type, and some if not most marinas and chandlery stores keep stock of them as volvos use the same one( ITT-Jabsco)

[MNSuperAir]

Has anyone ever put together a how to with pictures? I have the GT-40 in my SAN

[aaron]

MN, its really quite easy, except that with a vdrive, u will need to work lying on yr belly with yr arms stretched down.The hardest part is the loosening and tightening of the in and out water hoses with a screwdriver or a mini socket 8mm

[coloradonautique]

MN, Really easy on the GT-40. Loosen water pump belt. Remove two bolts holding water pump to frame. Remove 3 bolts holding water pump together (use a socket with extension and insert through the 3 holes in the pulley frame). Remove old impeller. Instal new one (slight twist clockwise to get the vanes bent correctly), install new o-ring. Put everything back together and tension belt. I can usually do it without having to remove the water lines but that's because I am lazy and I hate the hose clamps.

[aaron]

i hate hose clamps too!But i dont remember an o-ring......it was a paper/membrane type gasket.

[boatech]

if you take water pump off make note of wich way it was facing you can install it upside down and it will not work . people drag them into my shop all the time and say "ever since i installed the impellor it runs hot" and sure enough the pump is in upside down. easy job to do and easy job to screw up.

[hsmunoz]

Mike

how many hours on that impeller. I had 250 or so on mine, and it was definitely starting to pit, but did not have any material missing. Also it was 2yrs old. I agree that it was a pretty easy R&R. I noticed a 15 degree difference, but attribute most of that to cooler water temps.

ps, are you making any sub seats yet? still looking to place my order!