Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by jddar on 03/03/10 - 7:31 PM

I have a 2000 90hp Oceanpro. I purchased the boat used about 4 years ago with very low hours. I have been told that the impeller should be replaced every 3-4 years. I have very good water pressure and engine runs cool. Is this true, and if so is it something I can do myself? What is a rough estimate for having a mechanic do the job.

Thanks,
JD

Posted by CES on 03/04/10 - 5:16 AM

jddar,

You'll most certainly get differing opinions concerning this topic. However in my experience, replacing the impellor more frequently than every 3-4 years could save you lots of money down the road.....even if it has a good stream and is cooling properly. Impellors are made of rubber and rubber degrades over time. Also, if you suck up sand, ran the motor briefly without any water flowing through it (dry start) or if the motor just sat for an extended period, the impellor could be starting to degrade.

Typically I replace my impellor every other season or bi-annually.....and that is based on my own usage. Here's a link to a forum I use quite often for maintenance issues:

http://forums.iboats.com/Johnson-Outb...oards/2000

Posted by CES on 03/04/10 - 7:17 AM

For me, it's an easy process. I'm not sure of your mechanical background so there's no way I can tell you how easy it is to do for you.

With my lower unit, thre's five bolts holding it onto the midsection of the outboard (Four bolts are obvious with the fifth bolt hidden under the trim tab ). Also there's the shifting linkage too. If your bolts come out easily and are not corroded into place, you should not have too difficult of a time removing the lower unit.

If I were you, I'd certainly do a little research, check out the forum link I provided above and determine for yourself if that's a job you're willing to tackle.

I think it can be easily accomplished by someone with moderate mechanical skills.

Edited by CES on 03/04/10 - 9:58 AM

Posted by HarleyFXDL on 03/04/10 - 9:26 AM

There is no real standard to when you have to change your impeller. I've had a motor with 5 yrs on one and during replacement noticed it was looked like new. If you dry start the engine a lot, it will wear it out prematurely. When i change mine, I use a small brush with grease on it and lightly coat the impeller cover during re-assembly.

Posted by awayland on 03/04/10 - 10:54 AM

I have changed several of these on many different motors for 2hp up to a 260hp IO. I was taught on an old Johnson. They are all basically the same just come apart a little different especially with the shift linkage. Get a parts manual for your motor and you'll see how it comes apart. Once you learn how to do it it is cheap insurance to change them out every other year and your not waiting on or paying the mechanic. Like Harley said lightly grease the impeller cover and don't forget to put the key in. Also make sure the impeller fins are all pointed the proper direction.

Posted by modenacart on 03/04/10 - 5:11 PM

If you are worried a bout the bolts being frozen, I would have a mechanic replace it the first time so he can deal with unfreezing the bolts, then do it yourself after that. If you buy him some beer, he may let you watch while he changes the pump!