Nissan 3.5b Impeller Replacement

[ptroost]

I have a 2004 Nissan 3.5b 2-stroke which has been rock solid reliable since I bought it. Yesterday I noticed that water was no longer coming out of engine hose at more than a drip -- I noticed this because the engine almost died at high RPM which was very unusual. I was in a spot and wasn't able to kill the engine since I wouldn't be able to get home, so I had to keep it running at moderate RPM to get back. It seemed to run fine at lower RPM.

Two questions:

1) How likely is it that I toasted the engine by running at 30% throttle for approx 10 minutes with no water flow? (Engine still starts fine in my one subsequent test)

2) How difficult is it to change the impeller myself? I've recently moved and there is not a Nissan/Tohatsu dealer near where I live. Has anyone done this that could describe the procedure / post pictures?

Thank you!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Nissan 3.5b Impeller Replacement

Three bolts and the lower unit drops. I would urge you to pickup a service manual....A mercury M3.3 is the same engine.

 

[ptroost]

Re: Nissan 3.5b Impeller Replacement

Thanks, I assume I have to drain the gear oil first?

Once I drop the lower unit, will the impeller be an obvious part?

I will try to get a service manual, I'm just on a tight timeframe.

Thanks!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Nissan 3.5b Impeller Replacement

The gear oil is in a separate section. The WP is on top of the gearcase. You can't miss it unless your French.

 

[rudyr]

Re: Nissan 3.5b Impeller Replacement

All you guys give really good advise. on impellers, best advise I got was to blow it out with air before I did anything,was just stopped up. Thanks to all you guys that helps us dummies out. Rudy