Mercruiser O/D Water Pump Impeller Life?

[chiselchst]

Thanks for the great responses on the 3.0L life expectancy question!Now I'd like to know if I should really replace the water pump impeller every 2 years? I just picked up a 2002 3.0 A-1, and it might be due...?Thanks in advance!

[Don S]

Impellers are an expendable rubber part in your cooling system. It is the only pump that puts cooling water too the engine. While the Alpha I Gen II impellers do last longer and put up with more abuse than the older Alpha impellers, why take the chance. The Gen II should be replace after 3 years. 2 is a little early.During winterizing, the drive "Should" be removed the gear lube drained and changed. At that point its very easy to seperate the upper and lower and replace the impeller.

[Haut Medoc]

Silt, sand & such will reduce its' life drastically.....If you are a beachin' boater that is something to consider....Don't wait, it is cheap & easy.....If you are not sure of its' condition ....Replace it! & sleep better & boat better!. .....JK

[chiselchst]

That makes sense. I doubt if it's been done (the boat had the original oil filter on it when I bought it 10/10/05).Thanks,Mitch

[Haut Medoc]

Git 'er done.... ....JK

[fseries]

im goin on 6 years on the original,,,

[Haut Medoc]

Fseries, that's great....But when it disintigrates while you are out on the water.....It will be a minute too long .....JK

[Bond-o]

Originally posted by fseries: im goin on 6 years on the original,,,

Inexpen$ive Maintance,.......Or,.....Extremely Expen$ive Repair$...............The Choice i$ Your$..............................

[rodbolt]

I think Impellers are way overated, run it till it quits and I get new shoes. and a 6 year old impeller will never suffer a "sudden" failure

[Bond-o]

and a 6 year old impeller will never suffer a "sudden" failure

Ayuh,............It's Been Failing for 3 or 4 Years Now,............. Nothing Sudden There.........

[crazy charlie]

Originally posted by fseries: im goin on 6 years on the original,,,

You clearly dont believe in preventative maintenance.Make sure you keep up your towing coverage.Charlie