[derose]

Just bought a 1981 mint condition 35hp Evinrude long shaft with low hours. Hasn't been used for several years. How can I test the impeller to make sure it's in good shape. Can I run motor in a bucket? How long will it take for water to come out?

[OBJ]

Welcome derose!

Don't test.....just replace it. Setting for so long, the impeller has probably dried out and lost it's memory. May pump for a while but will surely fail soon.

If you run it after replaceing the impeller, run it in a garbage can full of water and make sure the water level is above the mating line between the lower unit and mid section.....these pumps don't draft water real good and should be submerged to operate correctly. OR.....run the engine of "muffs" and a water hose. Just remember not to over rev the engine.

Either way, water should appear from the tell tale in a second or two.

[HighTrim]

If the age of the impellor is unknown, best to change it for peace of mind. Its a cheap thing to change, expensive thing to have go on you, and anyone the fairly mechanically inclined with a basic tool kit can do it. Do you have a manual? If not, you should get one. Bucket wont be enough, best way is a barrel or large garbage can filled with water for testing. Can also use "muffs", but I am unsure if you year allows it, hopefully someone will jump in and let us know. Muffs are simply 2 rubber plungers that a hose attaches to that you place over your water intake to send cooling water to the impellor which sends it to the motor.

[HighTrim]

He types faster than me

[derose]

Well this is great news guys, thanks for the quick response. I feel better as I'm told that there is only abut 30 hours on this motor and I was hoping it would not be something serious. I will pull out the manual and see if I can do it myself, I am a little mechanically inclined.

[OBJ]

That's OK HighTrim....we're both on the same page....:-)