Impeller orientation

[sgroer]

I was trying to replace the impeller on my 90 mariner 90HP 6 cyl outboard. Well, I've made it pretty far, and the impeller was so messed up, I cant tell which way it's supposed to spin.(nothing was left except for a donut). I don't know how to put it into the pump housing. The spokes are straight on the new impeller, but are supposed to bend when they go into the housing, right? Which direction am I supposer to bend them? your help, as always is much appreciated!!!

 

[jwhite]

Re: Impeller orientation

Put the pump on the driveshaft wih keyway. Put upper housing over and spin the driveshaft clockwise while pushing down on the housing.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Impeller orientation

It really doesn't matter which way you insert it as the engine will correct that on its first revolution. However, holding the impeller housing in your left hand, and the impeller in you right hand, spin the impeller counter clockwise as you insert it into the housing. Now, as you turn the housing right side up, you will see that the impeller is in a position to turn in the direction in which the engine rotates (clockwise).

 

[Trent]

Re: Impeller orientation

Ditto..Joe

 

[sgroer]

Re: Impeller orientation

Thanks all for your help. Now, any tips to make the driveshaft splines line up. Seems to be a real pain. I was unsuccessful in my attempts last night to reinstall lower unit. I am sure it's the driveshaft not lining up, because I attempted installation without the water tube to verify. I am about an inch short of victory. Driveshaft turns esily and smoothly when pump housing is not in place, but the new impeller makes the driveshaft difficult to turn. Is it okay to lubricate the impeller and housing with petroleum jelly or anything else to make it easier to turn? Help is appreciated. I couldn't have made it near this far without you guys. I am learning a lot too, which is exciting.

 

[Trent]

Re: Impeller orientation

Grease the driveshaft splines with marine grease. Yes you can lube the impeller if you like. While installing the lower unit turn the propeller (you did put it in gear before you removed the lower unit)? Putting it in gear before removing the lower helps when you reinstall because you can turn the propeller and it will turn the driveshaft to help alignment into the powerhead.

 

[sgroer]

Re: Impeller orientation

unfortunately, I got mixed advice on putting the lower unit in neutral or forward, such as a writeup at http://www.diy-boat.com/pages/archives/links/eng982.html <br />which recommended leaving it in neutral when doing this. I wish now I would have asked here, but the lower unit is unfortunately in neutral. My inexperience is glaringly obvious here, but I assume that the shift linkage is the small splined post directly infront of the driveshaft. If that's the shift linkage, I can get the lower unit on enough to make it mate up. Can I just do that and have my wife put it in gear while I hold the lower unit in place, or is this a ridiculous idea? It's better to ask the experts first! Thanks again everyone. You are all incredible for helping me out!

 

[Trent]

Re: Impeller orientation

I dont want to confuse you on turning the shift shaft so try this. Remove the engine cowling (cover) and have someone slowly by hand turn the flywheel while you try to install the lower unit this will help align the splines. Good luck.

 

[sgroer]

Re: Impeller orientation

The impeller works! Got everything back together today (thanks so much!). However, the only way I know it works is by cranking the engine. Please see chapter 3: Engine fires but wont run. I just want to thank everyone for helping me get this far and respnding so quickly to my questions. You are all the best!

 

[Ledif7]

Re: Impeller orientation

What is the impeller? is it the pump that pushes up the water to the engine??

 

[Trent]

Re: Impeller orientation

What chapter three?? You still having problems?<br /><br />trentcr@hotmail.com

 

[Trent]

Re: Impeller orientation

Yep....... The rubber impeller pushes water up into the engine for cooling..Replace every two to three years.

 

[Ledif7]

Re: Impeller orientation

Ok, thanks, but I have another ? . I just ran the boat for the first time and I saw water coming out from the top little hose, that means that my water pump is ok? the fastet it when the more pressure it had. and after 1 hour I touched the engine and it wasnt hot.

 

[Trent]

Re: Impeller orientation

Thats normal LED.