Newb question alert:
I thought the previous owner told me to change the rubber impeller annually but I don`t remember now. Even gave me a spare housing and the impeller... what do you guys recommend?

You can never be too safe. I do mine every other year. But once a year is not to much to make sure that you have fun and do not loose one on the water. I have also heard that people have gone up to 4 and 5 years on one. CRAZY !!!! in my book. IMO

I agree..

I do mine every other year at least. I have never made it past the initiial start up on the third year.

I change mine EVERY year, but, I dont have room in my little Baja for a sea strainer, AND I boat "up here" in Canada, so, the impeller sits for 3-4 months a year unused, I assume if you boat in the "warmer" climates and the boat doesn't get "winterized" you would get a longer lifespan? [Maybe someone from "The South" could offer additional input?]

I have also heard of people physically removing the impeller when they winterize and keeping it somewhere "warm" over the winter, but, in my opinion if you go to all the trouble of taking it out, and have to install it in the Spring you might as well spend a few bucks and replace it with a new one.

They aren't an expensive, or exotic part, but, they ARE important and if they break they can lead to some pretty nasty damage if you dont notice that temp gauge.

On most set ups they are pretty easy to change too, so, there is really no excuse to not change them at regular intervals, just my thoughts!

Michael

There are many variables to this question.

If you use it all the time you can go to 2-3 years, the constant use keeps it supple and flexible.

If you layup half a year like everyone else just do it every season. You could probably get 2 years out of it, but when it goes it will be bad , chunking into your lines with little pieces.

Engines and engine components are REALLY expensive these days, and peace of mind is worth a lot in a single engine ocean boat. (in my case)


If you have a sea strainer do NOT start without pre charging the strainer. The extra tiny bit of run dry time on that first start is a killer.

UD

I start of fresh every winter so my summer is not spent wrenching, also keep a spair impeller and housing on board at all times.

Great info..thanx boys and girls

Next time your out with some friends and it's 95 degrees out open the hatch after a long run and go change one.....on the water. After that, you'll never wonder how often is too often!!!

I run them 2 years, but for the winter I don't replace it, I pull the housing and pull the impeller out of the housing so the blades aren't bound up inside the housing all winter....re-install it once in the spring. After the next winter a new one goes on.

I think I got this advise from an OSO thread.

Remove the old pump and drop it in the water, if it sinks, it is time to replace it