can you screw up replacing an impeller on a honda 135???????

bcarli

Hi
My on going engine problems. I took my boat to a local northwest dealer who charged me $600 to replace an impeller.OUCH!!!! But since that was done my boat shakes rattles and rolls so much that it sounds like the transom is going to fall off whenever I put it in gear....I called the company and they told me that it must be fine if the engine is pumping water...So tomorrow I'm going to pull the boat out of the water and pull the lower unit and look at it myself.
Could they have put something in wrong that could cause such a loud rumble and cause such vibration.
I learned along time ago on my sailboats that the best mechanic is me...even if I don't know what I am doing,nobody cares or takes the time to do it right like an owner.
thanks
bill

thataway · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 10:41 pm Post subject:

I would be looking at a miss aligned shifter...and potential lower unit gear damage. First pull the lower unit plug and look for metal fragments on the magnetic plug. Also an oil analysis if not obvious.

Do not run the engine until you are sure about the gears in the lower unit.

colbysmith · Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 12:15 am Post subject:

If it's something screwed up by the first shop, wouldn't it be better to have the word of a second shop if you were looking for monetary refund or cost coverage for what they messed up? I'm not sure you would be able to prove the first shop did it, if you then take it apart. But I know how you feel! Sometimes it's just better to do it your self, if you can!

bcarli · Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 12:50 am Post subject:

The sound and vibration is not metal against metal...It seems like it must be the impeller rubbing against something shaking the entire engine and boat....
I use this boat in my business and right now it's just get it fixed...I will take photos of everything as we go along....
bill

jkidd · Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 9:02 am Post subject:

I think the only thing you could do wrong when installing the impeller is put it in with the wrong rotation and that would probably just ruin the impeller. You can miss getting the connecting rod in the right spot or the shift linkage. So it might not shift right or the prop wouldn't turn. The pump housing is usually pinned so it fits one way. The first guys excuse is going to be your honor I was never offered the opportunity to make it right. If he would have brought it back to me I would have fixed it. I still provided the parts and installed them.

P.S.
Seems kind of strange that after you put an impeller in you wouldn't run the motor make sure it is peeing and has forward and reverse. Seems like he should have found the noise and vibration.

potter water · Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 9:36 am Post subject:

Having just replaced the impellers on both of my Suzi 50's I don't see how it would be possible to do something in there to create any significant vibrations. Suzi's at least are put together in such a way that they won't go together unless things are right with the exception of getting the impeller fingers pointed the wrong direction. If your shop did something wrong, then it was through complete, total, and utter incompetence, or failure of a new part. I did both impellers for 45 bucks and 2.5 hours of my labor.

I do agree that if you have a strong feeling that this is due to the trip to the shop that you need to give them a chance to make it right. If you work on it, any recourse to them if they created some major damage to the gear system, for example, goes out the window with your first turn of a bolt.

localboy · Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 9:49 am Post subject:

jennykatz · Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 10:10 am Post subject: impellers

I remember changing out my 40 hp honda impeller you had to take apart the shift linkage cable (rod) maybe that was misaligned this could cause a vibration maybe the dog clutch is notfully engaging Did engine go into reverse and forward ? Take it back and tell the story if they are a reputable shop they should make it right tell them there are many c-brats looking over what they do .Good Luck

bcarli · Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 12:03 pm Post subject:

Hello
I am having the boat towed back to the yard that did the work. The noise has grown from something that I really didn't notice at first to being so bad that I can not even drive it. I'm wondering if maybe they broke one or more of the bolts that holds the lower unit on...
Or what if the plate that the impeller rides on is broken, or missing or? The noise and vibration are so bad that I am thinking that whatever the problem is it should be easy to find...
This all started because about three weeks ago the temp alarm would suddenly going off after running the boat hard for an hour, this was right after having the engine serviced. The mechanic re-checked the thermostats and said they were fine and it wasn't his problem. Three mechanics later and two readings on a honda computer and with everybody scratching their head I finally realized that the small tube running from the backside of the thermostat housing had broken its retaining clip and was on occasion bumping up against the engine. I fixed it with a plastic cable tie....This is just a downward spiral of incompetence...So far I am out over $3000 in lost revenue and it's still counting....
this is just like being at seas sailing a yacht in bad weather, I know it will pass and the sun will shine and I just have to hang on but what an ordeal....

colbysmith · Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 2:26 pm Post subject:

Might be time to cut the losses, and see another shop. Then file a complaint with your local consumer protection office and ask for monetary reimbursement for all past work and damages as the resolution. If that don't work, small claims court should be considered. Sounds to me like this shop isn't very competent. Keep a paper trail and have a reputable shop do the repairs that can also document any damage and their professional opinion on what caused the damage. Since you are already taking the boat back to them, let them know they have one opportunity left to make it right before you resort to government or legal action.