Can I change my impeller myself?

[Tonka Rat]

Hello all, long time listener, first time caller...
my port engine is running hot. I do go through impellers every couple of years and the water is murky at the end of my dock. Just launched the boat a few days ago and it heated up right away.
I tore apart the thermostat today and it did have a few pebble in the housing. Cleaned and re-installed it but still runs hot. I do get water through the hoses but doesn't seem like it's enough.
it gets a little warm at idle but heats up fast under power. Feels like an impeller to me.
my question is can I change this impeller myself?
I'm reasonably handy but have never removed a lower unit before. We had late ice up here and the marines are 3-4 weeks behind schedule so I am motivated to try. Any tips for a rookie?
1989 Searay Amberjack
Twin V8s
Alpha One outdrives

 

[biggjimm]

Get a manual for your engine & drive & have at it.
Not a difficult job at all but there are specific procedures that have to be followed so definitely spend the money on a Mercruiser manual.
With the manual, there will probably be a lot more repairs & maintenance you can do yourself that you may not be doing now.

 

[GA_Boater]

Sure ya can. From boatinfo.no - http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/ma...ser2.html#/402

That should be for Alpha 1.

 

[GA_Boater]

And Welcome aboard, Tonka.

 

[thumpar]

You can do it. Some people just take the lower half of the drive off but I would recommend pulling the whole unit. It only takes about 15 minutes to pull the drive. Just take your time and follow a FACTORY manual. It may help to take pictures as you take things apart so you know what it looks like as they go back together.

 

[Tonka Rat]

Thank you all for your help and encouragement.
I'm going in

 

[Scott Danforth]

Watch the vids Achris posted.

 

[GA_Boater]

Don S. keeps giving long after - A PDF of the water pump replacement gleaned and consolidated from the OEM manuals - https://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...eller?t=387864

I can't find the video by achris .

 

[achris]

....

I can't find the video by achris .

http://youtu.be/ev4NVyyyIkU

 

[JASinIL2006]

Also, if buy the full OEM pump kit - QuickSilver 817275Q05 Upper Water Pump Repair Kit - it includes really clear and comprehensive directions. If you follow the directions, it's really easy. The video by achris is super-helpful, too.

 

[hoowahfun]

If you found pebbles in your thermostat housing, I would recommend back flushing your block and exhaust risers to remove any other pebbles/sand that might be caught in there.

 

[GA_Boater]

http://youtu.be/ev4NVyyyIkU

All I found was cat videos. :doh:

Thanks, Chris.

 

[Jcris]

Please realize the learning curve on even simple tasks can be a bit challenging. I did this same thing last summer for the first time. After the fact it seemed very straight forward, even simple. Once you've done it the process becomes much easier, not to mention quicker. Good luck.