How to change out impeller on vdrive

[Knowledge101]

How hard is it to change out impeller on vdrive z1 any tips

[bsreid]

Yes I would also like some tips on changing the impeller, how many hours would you recommend? We are at 150 on our 2014
Sorry for hijacking your question

[Knowledge101]

No prob.. We are all here to help each other

[lee]

What engine do you have? I change my impeller every other year.

[mnpracing]

every 100 hours, or once per year, whichever is sooner. The best tool to use is an impeller puller, which you can get from skidim.com or bakesonline.com. Lots of people use two paint can openers with success. I've found the puller to work the best (although it is $80 or so). Lots of youtube videos about changing the impeller, give it a search, read your engine manual and then come back with what questions you have after that.

[Z1Fan]

For all you guys with newer boats isn't one impeller included with the tige warranty?

[all2matt]

Ive never read why to change an impeller before so Im asking why? what will happen when it starts to wear out? what should I notice before hand with issues? etc.....

[mnpracing]

Ive never read why to change an impeller before so Im asking why? what will happen when it starts to wear out? what should I notice before hand with issues? etc.....

Over time, the impeller rubber will start to harden and not seal as well which affects how much water it can push. Also, due to various conditions, the vanes on the impeller can start to break off or get chewed up (debris, running dry, etc). In both of these scenarios, the impeller won't be able to pull/push as much water through the engine and you'll see temps start to rise. IMO, it's cheap insurance to just change it out regularly. I don't want to either be stuck on the water, or trying to fish broken impeller pieces out of my engine.

[BCRider]

knowledge101, what motor do you have?

On the Excalibur 343 EX you have to remove the belt, a pulley(3 Alan keyed bolts), 3 reg bolts, and no puller is required as the whole unit slides out. It takes longer to remove the engine side wall and rear wall then it does to change out the impeller.

[BCRider]

Saw your other post about the oil change. No need to start another thread.

I believe it's a 14 or 15mm wrench for the belt tensioner. with the wrench on push towards the starboard side of the boat and pull the belt off. Get in the starboard side and remove the side and rear panel. I find this easier then trying to go in from the top of the engine hatch. The first cover as seen in the picture is the alan keys. If I remember correctly it's a 5.5mm or 6mm. Once off the other three bolts are behind. Apparently you don't have to take off the pulley but it's hard to see back there so I just pull it off so I can see the next set.

[Knowledge101]

Have the pcm 343

[BCRider]

^ Then all of the above applies.

If you don't have it this will tell you everything you need to know. http://www.pcmengines.com/assets/Upl...wners-2011.pdf

[Knowledge101]

But how do. I get in there. Lay down in the locker sideways or how does everyon . Do there's. Also is there a way to put the impeller in backwards or no . An . Shoul . I use needle nose pliers to pull the impeller ou . Thanks for all the . Help. I'm new. But want to learn how to do own work ..

[mnpracing]

But how do. I get in there. Lay down in the locker sideways or how does everyon . Do there's. Also is there a way to put the impeller in backwards or no . An . Shoul . I use needle nose pliers to pull the impeller ou . Thanks for all the . Help. I'm new. But want to learn how to do own work ..

I can fit (for the most part), in between the engine and the support that holds the sunpad, once I take out the divider. Then it's a bit of a reach in tight quarters. once you're in there, do what BCRider shows above. You just have to see how you physically fit in that space, and then go from there.

[BCRider]

As I said, I take out the wall that separates the engine from the locker on that side and the rear panel. Side panel is wing nuts and rear panel is 4 screws. I'm 6' and I can get myself all the way in the locker laying on my side. You'll want to take out the fat sac if you have one in there. You may want a gopher to get you tools as it can take a bit of time to get in and out otherwise. Can't put the impeller in backwards....there is no front and back. Don't need needle nose pliers. The whole unit that holds the impeller slides out with the impeller still on. You just have to slide the impeller off and slide the new one on. It's really not that hard. Just start taking everything a part and go for it.