What kit do I need?

18-3224 which includes the metal wear plate or can I just use the kit which comes with the impeller and o-ring 18-3087?

Stupid question but has anyone come up with a long-life impeller? Mine are a little hard to get to because of the freshwater cooling I installed so I'd like to not have to replace every year, but I don't see any other solution that last longer.

Majority of the time impeller only will do. Someone else may say I’m wrong.
I am all about preventative maintenance but I also believe if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
This is the 5th summer I’ve owned this Fountain and the impellers are the same ones from when I bought it. Who knows how long prior to that they were changed.

One time I was seeing lower water pressure so I instantly thought it was an impeller. Took it apart, it was fine. Lubed it up and put the same one back in. It was actually the gauge.

IMO the key to their life is never dry start the impeller. Make sure it’s lubed when installed. When you start for the first time of the season, let your water hose on the muff run for a bit before cranking to make sure water is pushed to the pump.
Also when winterizing, I take the hose off the pump so no windshield washer fluid is sitting on the impeller. Yes I use windshield washer fluid to winterize.

I may need one first thing this summer. May last a few more years. Not changing until I have to. I’ve done it before while on the water with other boats. At least this one has twin engines.

I keep 2-3 on my boat just in case I or a friend needs one.

BTW: I don’t have any but I’m sure strainers will help the life.

So you just wait on it to fail . Interesting . What i really like is when an impellor comes apart and then you have to go find all the pieces .

the best i have ever found and it will tolerate dry is the blue globe we just took 2 out of a hustler we are restoring and they are 15 years old and still look and feel like new i,m impressed!

the best i have ever found and it will tolerate dry is the blue globe we just took 2 out of a hustler we are restoring and they are 15 years old and still look and feel like new i,m impressed!

I do...
That’s when a shop vac comes in handy. 90% of the time I am close to one at the lake I typically boat at.

You may get by with just the impeller and O ring if the plate is not scored, however if they are hard to get to you are better off replacing the wear plate as well. I just replacement mine and I think the kits were about 80.00 a piece.

As far as the impeller I have a buddy who swears by the blue silicone ones, I have heard good and bad. Some say they last but you will loose some water pressure, for the money I still stick with the factory ones. Others on OSO will probably have more experience with the silicone ones.

I saw the blue Globe ones and wondered. I've always replaced every year after a failure about 10 years ago on one that was just entering it's second season (ruined memorial day weekend). Maybe I'll try the Globe ones and see if I can get a couple years. I have spares so it's not a matter of getting stuck, I just don't want to be back flushing pieces out of the coolers......

I’ve had water pressure issues with the blue ones. And I’ve had the hub spin in the Sierra impellers. I try to only use merc now. They are not much more money.

From what I’ve read the Globe units are great for Alpha drives but suck in the Bravo application. I’ve put the Sierra impeller next to a mercruiser and the Merc unit had twice as much material. Worth the money IMO.