Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

[SDSeville]

I read in another thread, that it is better to remove the entire outdrive when changing the impeller. I am going to change mine myself for the 1st time this week (it has been changed regularly, but not by me).

I recently had the drive off for lube and bellows replacement, but was planning to do the impeller with it on. It seems like it would be easier to remove and replace the lower unit with the drive attached.

 

[Don S]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

It's a lot easier for a first timer to do the job with the drive off the boat. Most of the threads here with shifting and cooling problems after an impeller change is from first timers pulling the lower only and missing something when putting it back together.
Besides the drive should be pulled yearly to grease the couple splines, check alignment and other maintenance items. So why not do the impeller when the drive is off?

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

Hmmm... Is this a question, a statement, or just a survey? You'll find many threads that talk about it either way, and there are advantages and disadvantages either way. It is easy to just drop the lower, but not often so for a first timer. It is easy to drop the whole drive, particularly for a first timer, and then do the split on the bench. I do all my annual maintenance at the same time, so drop the drive, drain the oil, do a prelim pressure test, split the drive, do my stuff, reassemble, do a final pressure test, reinstall drive. I find the pressure test to be better off the boat, so I can soap-bubble test the innards better.
If just doing the impeller, and no suspicion or concern over seal leaks and such (or other work, like bellows, u-joint and spline lubes), then by all means just drop the lower. (just need to be cautious re-installing, as you cant get a good look inside while you put the vertical shaft up into the upper, and sometimes seal damage occurs then). I think Achris has (or is making) a youtube video to show how easy it is. Best of luck and happy boating!

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

It's a lot easier for a first timer to do the job with the drive off the boat. Most of the threads here with shifting and cooling problems after an impeller change is from first timers pulling the lower only and missing something when putting it back together.

I will probably just pull the entire drive then (would only add a few minutes to the process). Do I need to make a special stand for the drive? What kinds of things would I be less likely to miss with the drive off (I have the manual)?

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

Missed ktbarrentine's post somehow. Yes, could have worded the initial post a little better -- as a question. I plan on removing the entire unit. Doesn't make sense to increase risk just to skip 10 minutes additional work.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

Missed ktbarrentine's post somehow. Yes, could have worded the initial post a little better -- as a question. I plan on removing the entire unit. Doesn't make sense to increase risk just to skip 10 minutes additional work.

Only add'l cost (besides the extra ten minutes or so) are the gaskets/seals needed to mount the drive to the bell housing.... But everyone should have a couple sets of those lying around the shop...just in case. Don't we?

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

Only add'l cost (besides the extra ten minutes or so) are the gaskets/seals needed to mount the drive to the bell housing.... But everyone should have a couple sets of those lying around the shop...just in case. Don't we?

Just ran out. Will pick them up with the gear lube.

 

[Don S]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

Here is a file I put together from info out of information from the service manual. Then you don't have to search through a bunch of pages to find the info you want.
The next to last page shows some things that often gets missed.

View attachment A1 Impeller replace.pdf

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

Thanks Don!

 

[artificialreef]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

Make sure you pressure test that puppy. On my first impellar change thank goodness i read the manual. My pressure test showed my drive leaking worse than a cuban refugee flotilla. Found the leaking seal and all is good.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

Don, is that file applicable to Gen 2 drives as well? If not do you have a file that is?

 

[achris]

Re: Take Entire Drive Off to Change Impeller?

Don, is that file applicable to Gen 2 drives as well? If not do you have a file that is?

That file is specifically Alpha One and earlier (1969-1990). If you have the Gen II service manual (#14), it's all in there...