454 MPI seawater impeller

[bajaman123]

I've wrenched on cars, boats, motorcycles, tractors, lawn equipment, etc for the better part of 50 years and I have to admit that changing the seawater pump impeller was one of the most unpleasant tasks that I have ever done. There is simply NO ROOM to get to things...I had to remove the fuel filter assembly just to get to where I could see the seawater pump; taking the hoses off was a 2 hour ordeal. I ended up taking off the main hose from the circulating pump, removed the serpentine belt, and took the whole pump assembly out of the boat to service it. Reinstalling was much more straightforward, but those damned hoses were nearly impossible to get the hose clamps back on, literally took another two hours to do. The impeller was shot, as well as the housing...which explains why it wouldn't take water on the muffs last fall when I winterized it. I wish there was an easier way to disconnect and reconnect these hoses.

 

[Bondo]

I wish there was an easier way to disconnect and reconnect these hoses.

Ayuh,...... Did you use a hose pick to break 'em free from the housing,..??

 

[Scott Danforth]

take a look at the starter....... many times you have to pull the motor to get to the starter. Boats are put together to look pretty. not be easily worked on.

being pretty is what sells them

many times, removing the spark arrestor and putting a pillow on top the motor to lay on it will allow you to reach things.

the islander should have a large hatch with a bit of room on each side the motor.

use a hose pick like Bondo mentions to get the hoses off. they work wonders.

use a bit of duct tape to hold the hose clamp on the hose so you can get to it one-handed on the installation helps

 

[bajaman123]

No, I didn't use a hose pick...that is a great idea! My biggest issues is simply, at 65 years old I just don't bend and twist like I used to...and standing on my head, laying across the engine makes me dizzy as hell after a short time...sigh.

 

[Bt Doctur]

impellers only get like that from lack of water