Should be for most of you, anyway - 98 Bravo I/7.4L MPI. Question - is there an impeller in the lower unit that should be replaced periodically for water intake? Or is the impeller in that hard to get at pump located on the left side of the engine with two hoses going to/from it?

Well I have an 89 7.4L/Bravo 1 and there is no impeller in the drive, just the hard to reach belt driven pump. I'm pretty sure it's the same way now.

Correct,,, nothing in the drive,,, the pump on the left of the motor is called a sea pump,,,,it has an impeller in it for water pick up. instead of in the drive like an Alpha... the impeller should be replace every coupl eyears or so depending on use and water conditions.

I knew you guys would come through. Not the answer I wanted, but thanks. Anything (shortcuts or tricks) I should know about replacing the impeller?

if its anything like replacing the empeller on twin 502's be prepared to stand on your head and turn yourself into a pretze.l

NOT FUNNY!! This is gonna suck, aint it!

Hey Bimini,
It's not too bad. Remember we only have one motor! I'm not too familar with your boat. Can you take your back seat out to access the engine comparment? If not you do have too twist yourself like a pretzel ! Reach down there and undo the belt and unbolt the whole pump. Then open it up and change the impeller and put it back together and reinstall it. Wear mechanics gloves. Should take you about an hour. ......or 2 Have fun!

Hey Gary,
You're right - we only have one (sometimes I thank God for that). I may be able to remove the rear seat frame, but all this will have to wait. I need to build a deck before I can even think of touching the boat. How about you - you should be just about getting ready for your first cruise. I know I would be if not for the new house. Take care and keep in touch.

I had to replace both of mine last year at different times. Easily an hour to remove and another to replace. Swapping out the impeller is a cakewalk, maybe 15 minutes. This was with twins with absolutely no access at all. I have heard of people with room in front of the engines being able to change impellers in 10 minutes on the water.