chubbytug

I have a 23 Wellcraft nova with a merc 454 Mag, at the end of last year I picked up some weeds on the drive, and didnt notice the temp rising untill the alarm went off! does the seawater pump impeller need to be replaced? it is a REAL pain to get to ( last time I pulled the motor) what do you all think?

Vinny P

I would change it. I change mine every season regardless of its condition.

Mudball

Yes! The seawater pump will last until it fails.
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Usually, the worst enemy of a seawater impellor is sitting over the winter. They take a 'set', and can dry rot. Remember that some of the vanes are bent at all times.
During the boating season, when it is run regularly, these usually do not fail during that time.

Like Checkmate said, you really should make it a habit of changing it once per year, in the spring, if at all possible.

All of the failures I have had in the past (boating over 40 years) have been in the spring with old impellors, within a few hours of running. But there are exceptions, as when you might suck something into the system that tears them up.

If, in the spring, when you replace it, and it looks really good, keep that for a spare in the boat. Just in case one sucks something up that tears it up, you can at least have a spare then.

Just my 2c.
Kent