To compress the impellor for installation, I use a properly sized hose clamp that has a knob to tighten the nut. I had an issue with the impellor and after installing one of those 'blue' impellors, I had another issue and had to replace it. Sailing alone, had to drop anchor and get it in rolling seas. Great fun! Lived to tell about it! /Dave aboard S/V Silent Running
Guest
22-Jan-2014 08:01
Thanks so much from a new boater, about to embark as a liveaboard and I want to be aware of what maintenance needs to be done. Even I could do this and I am a novice thanks ahead for saving us money down the road
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Dennis
20-Oct-2012 16:14
Thank you very much!
Guest
20-Jul-2011 16:22
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to post this, I have just bought an old Volvo MD1 and was dreading changing the impeller, fuel filters etc....you have made it look so simple and have given me the confidence to give it a go.....thanks again. Richard.
Guest
14-Apr-2011 20:00
Thanks for the step-by-step instruction complete with "good" photos.
Stenn
25-Oct-2008 23:02
I agree every skipper should be comfortable with changing their own impeller, and keep at least one spare on-board at all times. But your "it's easy, and only takes 20 minutes at most" is a drastic generalization only possible because of the specific engine/pump combination you have. I have a Universal 5411 with the original pump, and there's one aspect that is a total pain in the as* every single time I have to change the impeller.....there's a little, half-moon key that fits into the slot on the pump shaft...and the impeller slides over that half-moon key....only problem is....sliding the impeller over the shaft/key combination pushes the key out the back behind the impeller, and prevents the impeller from seating into the housing, so I have to pull the impeller back out, reposition the key, and start all over again. I have resorted to putting a dab of high-temp engine-gasket silicone into the key-slot, installing the key, and letting that harden for a few minutes before attempting to slide the impeller over the key...but even that is not a sure-thing...and have had the key slide out the arch-shaped cut-out in the shaft multiple times, even with the silicone (usually because I didn't wait long enough for it to harden).....this whole dance can go on for an hour before I finally luck out and the key stays put, and I get the impeller seated in the housing. I might just try that idea you mentioned of compressing the fins with a breadtie or something...to see whether taking the fin-pressure off the shaft might help the impeller slide over that damned key without the pressure pushing on the key and sliding it out the back of the cutout. Incidentally, I don't even use those tissue-paper-thin gaskets that come with the impeller...I just use that high-temp silicone for a ready-made gasket every time.
Shane
30-Jul-2008 19:53
Great article, keep em coming. I too noticed a slight change in exhaust note the last time out and the impeller will be the first thing I check this weekend.
