impeller protection for idle outboards

[ssobol]

I was wondering if there is any spray, lubricant, treatment, etc. that will help preserve the impeller on outboard motors that sit for extended periods.

I had a motor that sat for about 6 months (winterized). I started it recently on the muffs and it ran fine. Two days later I started it again and there was no water out the pee hole unless the revs were up quite a bit. At idle there was no output. Talking to someone about it, it seems that the impeller failed. Although the motor only had ~180 hours on it, I expect that the thing failed due both to being about 6 years old and because of sitting for a long time.

I have another motor that is 2008. It has about 140 hours on it. Because of my schedule it tends to sit for extended periods. It would be nice if there was something I could do to protect the impeller during these periods.

Thanks.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: impeller protection for idle outboards

Not really.

 

[colbyt]

Re: impeller protection for idle outboards

about 6 years old and because

I doubt there is any because. I refer you to your owner's manual. Mine says replace every 12 months.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: impeller protection for idle outboards

Ssobol,

If not mistaken, you own a Yam engine, not Tohatsu, right ? Tohatsu impellers do last long and outlasts any other brand, are elastomer made, not rubber as most other impeller brands. The best way to maintain impeller sitting for extended periods of time, is to crank engine, electrically or mechanically by rope every once in a while with engine off.

This will avoid impeller sitting for prolonged time periods at same compressed position inside pump's liner which deforms/bents the vanes. Impeller vanes rotates in a eleptical maner inside same eliptical liner, and not on a perfect circle as one would imagine.

Happy Boating

 

[pvanv]

Re: impeller protection for idle outboards

Even in cold fresh water, with a short season, and annual winterization, we expect maybe 3 years from a wp kit. OB manufacturers recommend inspection or replacement annually. It's age, not hours.

 

[texcl]

Re: impeller protection for idle outboards

Not to mention regular replacement prevents frozen bolts and drive shafts.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: impeller protection for idle outboards

Not to mention regular replacement prevents frozen bolts and drive shafts.

If you properly grease them when at reassembly, not an issue removing them after extended inactive time periods.

Happy Boating