impeller change

[todd brinkerhoff]

My raw water discharge alarm went off and my temp spiked. I'm assuming (actually hoping) its the impeller. Anyone with Crusader 454's know if I can do it in the boat or do I need to remove the whole water pump. The motor is tied to a V-drive, so the actual pump is accessible from the back (stern) of the boat (engines in reverse). Thanks!!

[Bimmerbill]

My 454's had the Sherwood E35 raw water pumps. They had to be removed to get to the impellers since the face plate was on the back of the pump, facing the engine. Front of the pump has a pulley on it. With it mounted to the bracket there was just no room to get at the impeller.

Last year I just removed the two hoses on the pump and the two bolts holding it to the bracket and pulled it out. Replaced the impellers, put them back in.

This year I am replacing them with crank mounted pumps which will be much easier to get to!

[Away On Busine$$]

Bimmer, Can you give a little more info on what you are working at with the crank pumps. I currently have to replace an impeller on my starboard side
F32 chry 318 it is at the front left top with easy access from in front, (ie: center line of boat). Port is in the same location and therefor very poor access. If I have to do the port in this location, I would like to do it just once.

[Bimmerbill]

Sure, I bought 2 of the Johnson Pump Model F6B-9 impeller pumps. Mounts to the crank, so the back of the pump is facing out if I need to replace an impeller. Should make winterizing easier too.

The Model F6B-9 is a replacement pump for big block GM/Chevy engines, like my Crusader 454s.

Have not mounted them yet, but will shortly. Got the port engine painted so I am ready to put everything back together!

[Away On Busine$$]

Don't sound like this is a Chry 318 issue!

[gettaway]

Pulling the pump is by far the easiest and fastest way, two 3/8" bolts on the bottom of the pump loosen the hose clamps at the U- Cooler and remove the whole unit, takes just a few minutes in a blind corner.

[larryeddington]

Bimmer, Can you give a little more info on what you are working at with the crank pumps. I currently have to replace an impeller on my starboard side
F32 chry 318 it is at the front left top with easy access from in front, (ie: center line of boat). Port is in the same location and therefor very poor access. If I have to do the port in this location, I would like to do it just once.

You mean do it once every two years?

[todd brinkerhoff]

Ok...easier than I thought, except access is involves doing some serious contortion work. Impeller is is great condition. I would say (and I am speaking for freshwater only) that replacing you impeller every 2 years in unnecessary. This one is at least 6 years old, and looks brand new.