Priming?

[illiniboarder88]

I have a question regarding priming an inboard engine. Does the cooling system need to be primed, after it has been drained for the winter? I was talking to a mechanic the other day who thought that inboards require the system to be primed in order to draw water from the lake for the cooling system. This didn't sound right to me, but I figured I'd ask.

[Lucky 275]

No need to be primed, but I'd definately replace the impellar on that one.

[chpthril]

The only diff between an inboard and an I/O is the location of the pickup. With an ample water supply, lake or water hose/fake-a-lake, it will prime up within a couple seconds of firing up.


Replace in the spring is a good idea any way, but mine goes through this 5-6 times a winter. I drain on the ramp and launch dry the next time, will get new one in spring and stay "wet" the rest of the season.

[illiniboarder88]

Thanks, that what I thought, but I figured I'd rather be safe than sorry

[tessa]

The only diff between an inboard and an I/O is the location of the pickup. With an ample water supply, lake or water hose/fake-a-lake, it will prime up within a couple seconds of firing up.


Replace in the spring is a good idea any way, but mine goes through this 5-6 times a winter. I drain on the ramp and launch dry the next time, will get new one in spring and stay "wet" the rest of the season.

How often should the impeller be replaced? Once a season or once every 2-3 seasons? On my I/O which was 13 years old when I got rid of it I only replaced it twice.

[zad0030]

How often should the impeller be replaced? Once a season or once every 2-3 seasons? On my I/O which was 13 years old when I got rid of it I only replaced it twice.

You do not have to replace it every season. You can keep it in as long as you want but you better have a spare onboard. Its good to do it regularly just to keep it fresh and reduce the risk of a blowout. But replacing it every year does not get rid of the need for a spare.

[laserfish]

I replace every year from experience. Too many trips cut short with a boat full of people. Cheap insurance.

[talltigeguy]

How often should the impeller be replaced? Once a season or once every 2-3 seasons? On my I/O which was 13 years old when I got rid of it I only replaced it twice.

And I bet you replaced it after you got stranded on the lake?

I replace it yearly because I do not have enough recreational time to spend part of it dealing with a mechanical failure. It depends on if you have more money than time. Unfortunately, in this case, I have more money, since it does not cost that much.

[tessa]

And I bet you replaced it after you got stranded on the lake?

I replace it yearly because I do not have enough recreational time to spend part of it dealing with a mechanical failure. It depends on if you have more money than time. Unfortunately, in this case, I have more money, since it does not cost that much.

I replaced it when the boat was 6 years old and again at 11 years old and it burnt up and smoked the cooling system 2 years later(oops that makes 3) and we had to call it a season to rebuild the top end, bellows,valves,tilt pump and a host of other stuff. Used the boat 2 more years after thata nd then got rid of it.

From what I have seen it seems relatively easy to change on the Vortec,therefore I will change it everytime I winterize.

What does an impeller run for an 07 20V?

Money for a replacement impeller for the I/O was not an issue. It was tearing down the lower unit to change the impellar was a royal pain and time consuming.

[dogbert]

Change your impeller every 2 seasons. After that, you're rolling the dice every time you go out.

[TRD]

I replace every year from experience. Too many trips cut short with a boat full of people. Cheap insurance.

I agree 100%, My impeller was in at least 2 seasons. I pulled it out in 6 pieces I thought. Then I was told not to leave a new impeller in over the winter so I want out and pulled it. I found at least 6 to 8 more piece packed into another area on the other side of the hose. I blew all the lines out the 1st time w/ an air hose but these pieces couldn't go anywhere else but where they were. I will be changing mine every year at the beginning of the season. I really wasn't that hard on my boat anyway. I am thankfull to all you guys on this site for the help you gave me on this subject.

[tessa]

Change your impeller every 2 seasons. After that, you're rolling the dice every time you go out.

That you all for the advice. I am going to go the overkill route and do it every season. I was lucky before and semi won the crapshoot I was playing.

[illiniboarder88]

Does the water you are running your boat in affect the longevity of your impeller? I'm not only meaning salt v. fresh; I also mean clean lake v. filthy river.

[chpthril]

I'd bet that small pieces of debris could damage the impeller. There is not a lot of clearance between the veins, and zero between the veins and housing. If you waters are really bad, It would be worth installing a strainer. If it clogs up....clean out and keep going. Impeller goes, better hope you have a spare or the day/weekend is over.

[anhaney]

I replaced it when the boat was 6 years old and again at 11 years old and it burnt up and smoked the cooling system 2 years later(oops that makes 3) and we had to call it a season to rebuild the top end, bellows,valves,tilt pump and a host of other stuff. Used the boat 2 more years after thata nd then got rid of it.

From what I have seen it seems relatively easy to change on the Vortec,therefore I will change it everytime I winterize.

What does an impeller run for an 07 20V?

Money for a replacement impeller for the I/O was not an issue. It was tearing down the lower unit to change the impellar was a royal pain and time consuming.

What engine do you have and I can tell you the impeller cost and part number. Is it the Merc or the Marine power?