To replace or to not replace?

[sasada]

Im trying to figure out if i should replace my impeller or just keep the spare i have till i need it. I have a 1996 Johnson 50hp 3cyl 2stroke on my 16' lund fishing boat. The thing runs like a champ! I am very happy with everything about that motor. It runs full out great as well as trolls and never loads up or misses a beat. Okay so to my point. I have had it for 2 years now and dont know the last time the impeller has been replaced. I took it to canada last year for week of fishing and had zero problems. This year i plan on doing the same thing and regularly fear my impeller going bad. (yeah had one go bad on us a few years ago and the boat owner did not have a spare) Now as i said i do have a spare just in case but the thing pees like it just drank a 12pack even at idle. So should i leave it and just keep the spare on hand or should i replace it just in case? Also what is that little black plastic piece in the bag with the new impeller? Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: To replace or to not replace?

black piece that looks like a wedge is the wedge...lol. after 78 they changed from a key to a wedge to lock the impellor

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: To replace or to not replace?

I replace mine every few years..kinda hard to replace it 10 miles off shore, even if you have a spare...

 

[sasada]

Re: To replace or to not replace?

Ah yes the wedge! No wonder they call it that...lol. I read on one post that a guy said "stay away from Sierra" as in the aftermarket impeller manufacturer. Well...that is the brand of my spare. Any thoughts on that as well?

 

[boobie]

Re: To replace or to not replace?

I'd change the impeller just for normal maintainence. I use only OEM parts.

 

[sschefer]

Re: To replace or to not replace?

Mixed emotions about Sierra, I'm not convinced its the best by any means but it's often hard to get OEM stuff. As far as changing it. Well, there's that golden rule of changing it when you winterize so you don't forget to do it in spring. Every 100 hours is considered normal.

 

[sasada]

Re: To replace or to not replace?

Mixed emotions about Sierra, I'm not convinced its the best by any means but it's often hard to get OEM stuff. As far as changing it. Well, there's that golden rule of changing it when you winterize so you don't forget to do it in spring. Every 100 hours is considered normal.

That is kind of what i seem to have come across with this motor. Not the easiest to find the OEM replacement for this motor. I found an OEM impeller for the older 50hp but not this one. So when i bought one for my I/O here on Iboats i just bought one for my outboard too. Hopefully when i replace it im not putting in an impeller that is not as good as the one i already have in it!

 

[sasada]

Re: To replace or to not replace?

Mixed emotions about Sierra, I'm not convinced its the best by any means but it's often hard to get OEM stuff. As far as changing it. Well, there's that golden rule of changing it when you winterize so you don't forget to do it in spring. Every 100 hours is considered normal.

That is what i kinda found with this motor. I was able to find an OEM impeller for an older 50hp but not this one. So when i bought one on here for my I/O i just bought one for my outboard. Hopefully when i replace it im not installing an impeller that is no better or even worse (in regards to usable quality) than the one that is currently in it!

 

[oldman570]

Re: To replace or to not replace?

If in doubt change it out. Cheap insurance for a fun filled trip on the water.
Oldman570