Impeller?

[cmfiero]

so I got the fake lake and turned the key the first time after a LONG winters nap, No water (or antifreeze) is shooting out of the exhaust and then it wants to get hot fast.... Is this an impeller issue? (no circulation?) Engine seems to run great...just wants to overheat if I would let it.... HELP I need to get WET!! Any suggestions as to a good TIGE dealer neat Salt Lake City for repair etc?? I think I have used Wasatch in the past. This is a 2001 or 02 (yeah its been that long!)21 V riders edition 350 mag mpi ski.

[chpthril]

Could be an impeller or an air leak not allowing the pump to prime. Depending on how long it ran dry, it probably needs one now anyway, even if the root cause was something else.

[cmfiero]

k thanks... I did run it about 2 or 3 minutes until I noticed that I had not hooked up the pump seawater intake hose (long winter). After hooking up the hose, it still didn't work.... must have screwed up the impeller? Thanks for the input.

[cmfiero]

Well if it helps, The outcome is yes... the impeller was in pieces. The post by rzmike was most helpful. Some additions I would make to it for the novice like me is.... And yes it may seem like common sense, but it is critical that you make sure and recover the pieces of the impeller that in my case were in the little hose (top of housing) behind the little hose is apparently a "strainer" that caught all the pieces. Glad I checked Also in RZ Mikes article is does say to replace the housing if it is scored. I was considering not replacing mine so I took it down to the marine shop, and the guy was very helpful to say "ABSOLUTELY" replace it. I was going to try and save a few bucks and was glad that he said to replace it. So DONT be cheap and try and reuse it if you have any question. Probably good to cover in the article also that the kit recommends some locktite on the housing bolts and to only torque them at the most 10 ft. lbs.
I just bought the impeller body kit and it was like $70 and it came with all the bolts, plastic housing, impeller and O-rings. Mercruiser part #46-807151A14 or Sierra Part#18-3150. To buy a new impeller is like $25 so for an extra $45 for some peace of mind is totally worth it. Make Sure and have an extra impeller handy for the emergencies. With RZMikes help, and chpthril I am confident I could replace it out in the lake if needs be. Some of the tools it took were a 1/2" socket and wrench and 9/16" and a flat head screwdriver. Oh and some Duck butter (binding lube) helped to get the impeller in. Amazing what a little piece of rubber will do!! Water is flowing great!!! Thanks to all and if anyone has any questions, I am happy to help out.Impeller Mercury Part #47-59362T 1.

[Ewok]

I'm still new to inboards but I do not know the difference in the impeller for the water pump from an I/O V8 to an inboard V8. I have never seen so much concern for changning impellers on forums for I/Os, why is the difference between I/O and inboards and why can't the impellers be made of better materials so they do not fail so often. Like I said, I'm the noob, if someone could explain it I would be very grateful.

[chpthril]

I'm still new to inboards but I do not know the difference in the impeller for the water pump from an I/O V8 to an inboard V8. I have never seen so much concern for changning impellers on forums for I/Os, why is the difference between I/O and inboards and why can't the impellers be made of better materials so they do not fail so often. Like I said, I'm the noob, if someone could explain it I would be very grateful.

I/O's have an impeller, same as an inboard. I think the biggest difference is the amount of hours the average tow boat owner will put on in a season as compared to a typical I/O owner.

[cmfiero]

Makes sense. I went from outboards to V-drive... BIG difference!! So Chpthrill..a question for you or anyone who may know. Can you dry start one of these boats? or MUST you make sure that there is a fake lake or water going to it?

[dingleberry]

Makes sense. I went from outboards to V-drive... BIG difference!! So Chpthrill..a question for you or anyone who may know. Can you dry start one of these boats? or MUST you make sure that there is a fake lake or water going to it?

Hopefully someone will correct me if I am wrong here...

Running dry for a short time will probably not damage the engine, as long as the temp does not start to get into the warning zone. HOWEVER - I think that you would likely burn up your impeller very quickly if you did this. Personally, I would never run it dry.

[Ewok]

I put many hours on my I/O and I plan to use my inboard the same way, I'll just get a much nicer wake for board sports. I had a tower installed on my last boat and taught many friends to ride. I outgrew the wake many years ago but I kept the boat for so long due to sentimental reason. It was my grandfathers boat and was used by the family during our reunions every summer. I just finally found the right inboard at the right price in the right time in my life. I'm still affraid to tell the rest of my family that I sold the old boat but my grandpa traded up in boats many times as well.

Long post but bottom line, I don't think inboard are used more than I/O, it must have something to do with the water pickup. I think there is a "pre" water pump in the lower unit that sends water to the impeller but I'm guessing the inboard impeller does all the sucking by itself.