Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by joninnj on 04/16/10 - 2:09 PM

Hi All,

I am getting ready for boating this season...Yeah!!! I recently purchased a small 4.5 HP kicker for my 17. I am doing maintenance and repairs to it now. I am about to replace the water pump, all has gone well until I got to the impeller. It is literally fused to the shaft. I have been shooting it with PB blaster and light tapping but I do not think it will budge...

I am thinking about cutting it with a dremal very carefully...Any other ideas? This impeller may not have been changed for 10 years or more...

Thx

Edited by joninnj on 04/16/10 - 7:42 PM

Posted by Derwd24 on 04/16/10 - 2:45 PM

I've done just that in the past, pulled all the rubber off and made a vertical slit in the side of the metal impeller base ring, then split it open with a V cold chisel. Once it splits, it'll come right off, and you don't actually have to cut all the way through to the drive shaft.

Posted by number9 on 04/16/10 - 2:45 PM

A Dremel with a small cut off wheel should be quick and easy job. I'd cut most of the way to the shaft and uses something to pry and break the last bit.

Posted by Derwd24 on 04/16/10 - 8:38 PM

There are 2 back to back rubber gearcase shaft seals just below the impeller and water pump plate that can be damaged by heat so you have to be careful in that regard.

Posted by joninnj on 04/17/10 - 5:49 AM

Thanks All, I think using the dremel will be the best option and quickest.

Thx

Posted by JohnnyCW on 04/17/10 - 7:36 AM

I too have used a Dremel for this exact same issue. Made the job quick and easy.

Posted by joninnj on 04/17/10 - 3:23 PM

Hi All,

You wont believe this... I nearly sliced the metal bolt like ring/impeller in half, 2 cuts 1 on each side, with no luck. Still fused to the drive shaft. Lucky for me the drive shaft pulls out with no problem. I may now try heat or bring it to shop to professionally removed. Dont want to make any more cuts because of the woodruf key, I may have already cut that, no way to tell from the rust and corrosion.

Open to more ideas...

Thx

Posted by JohnnyCW on 04/17/10 - 6:23 PM

If it'll fit, try the freezer for a few hours then place it in the kitchen over at around 300 degrees for an hour or so then let it cool to room temp. Sometimes the thermal cycle will loosen things and neither is enough to damage anything. I've had the process work on stubborn shaft bearings.

Posted by number9 on 04/17/10 - 7:37 PM

#10

You don't need to worry about cutting the key, they are replaceable. Once you made the cuts did you attempt to split the impeller by prying? Unless split or opened up it will remain "fused" and likely won't slide off in one piece without force.

Posted by joninnj on 04/18/10 - 7:01 AM

#11

I did try prying and tapping but did not use to much force. I will use a heavier cold chisel today with more force and maybe heat. I may also split it into two more sections. My only concern about the key is removing it. A new one come with kits. If this fails then it goes to a shop for professional removal.

Thanks all!!!

Posted by MW on 04/18/10 - 3:04 PM

#13

If it's "Impossible", it's just gonna take a little bit longer to do, that's all !