Water pump impeller replacement

A

Alyssa Jean

New member
The Honda 50 on my 16 quit peeing so I pulled the cover to the thermostat and got no water there either. Dropped the lower unit and took apart the pump housing to find that the impeller had worn down to where it couldn't move any water. The vanes were just nubs. so I have a rebuild kit coming tonight. I think I will take apart the 150 on the 25 also. Been 5 years and probably should be replaced also.
 
How long does it take on the 150 ? Looks like about 2 days just to get all of the faring off.

Before I tackle something like this I read Jim's ('Wild Blue') adventure with the little old wiper arm - I usually then change my mind and go take a nap.
 
Just be sure the replacement parts are an exact fit. I ordered replacement impellers for our Honda 135's from an online store. They were Sierra brand and listed as exact replacement parts. I replaced the impellers on both engines at home. Then had to reinstall both of the original impellers, while backed into a launch ramp with the boat in the water. Lucky that I had kept the old impellers.

The impeller replacement is not hard and takes about 30 minutes/engine.
IM000181.thumb.jpg
Rafting after engine repair on the Apalachicola River.
 
toyman":1y9twhfy said:
How long does it take on the 150 ? Looks like about 2 days just to get all of the faring off.

Before I tackle something like this I read Jim's ('Wild Blue') adventure with the little old wiper arm - I usually then change my mind and go take a nap.
Click to expand...

Dave, the impeller is way less frustrating than the wiper arm. :wink: I was with Brent when he changed out both impellers on his TomCat... while the boat was in the water... and we stood in the water. But, Brent is a very handy kinda guy.

I changed out my impeller with some guidance from the local Honda shop and it took about an hour +/-.

I am convinced that some psycho at the factory put JB Weld on the wiper arm before installing it. :twisted:

Best wishes,
Jim
 
And that's why I don't like to use "Other Peoples Parts". First, they're copied from Honda, and you're betting they did a good job. Second, they're probably from China, and who knows the quality? That Honda 150 cost 12 grand and saving $5 with a chance of losing the engine doesn't appeal to me. Here's a place that sells Honda parts at a discount: Honda Factory Parts since most (if not all) Honda dealers have to order any part you want anyway. I try to plan ahead and just order it from these guys. In addition, when you call them (toll free) they look up the part and make sure you get the latest variant. I've never had the local dealer do that. It's also fun to get that Deep Southern Accent.

They also have pictures you can look at, for most parts.

By the Way, I changed out the impeller on the 150 after 4 years and it looked new. Even had the mold marks. I guess it depends where you boat and how much sand there is. I did need both fuel filters though.

One question: is it hard to be a Honda outboard dealer? In San Diego, the Honda dealers are few, changing, and they seem to live to sell Hondas with new boats. When we went to Vancouver Isle, I found Yamaha dealers but had a hard time finding a Honda dealer. Finally filed a washer to fit.

Boris
 
Dave (Toyman),
No fairing removal necessary.
Here is a brief description of the job from our album. Lining up everything when reassembling is the hard part. Don't try it by yourself, get helping hands.
 
Jim, by-pass surgery is less frustrating than changing the wiper arm from your experience.

Boris, I understand about the Honda dealers, I keep wondering IF Honda will stay in the market, or not. My local "dealer" facility looks like a "red-neck" mud bogger garage. I went in and asked how long to do a service and got the response "3-days". I said how about if I make an appointment, pay in advance for the required service items, then bring it in as scheduled after you get the required material ? "Still 3-days, we don't know what we might run into". I said how about you take your service and stick it, he said "OK". Hell - run it till it pukes then buy a black one !
 
We may be a bit off the beaten path, but... the service experience sure differs from dealer to dealer. That "3 day" response is something you will hear from a couple of dealers in the Valley (most of whom won't even look at your boat/motor during those three days). That's the reason I load up the boat and haul it 40 miles. That dealer is also my neighbor and friend. I pull into the shop area when they open, hook up a hose to warm the engine to drain the oil. I can help the mechanic, watch, or stay out of the way. Depending on what service needs to be done, I am pulling away 1 - 3 hours later.

Getting service done while out cruising has been more of a challenge. Local knowledge (from fellow C-Brats) goes a long way towards reducing the frustration.

Best wishes,
Jim

PS for Dave: Run the boat 'till the wiper arm needs to be replaced, then sell it! :mrgreen:
 
What - is there a market for wiper arms now ?? :roll:

Just speaking from frustration, it seems that this is the way things are today. Do-it yourself, and order from the Internet !
 
Here is an easy way to keep track of the impellers health.

Shortly after installation of a new impeller or when the motor is new establish a baseline by running water into a container at a set RMP for 30 sec.

When you are flushing the motor or when it is setting in water run the motor up to 1500 RMP. Take something like a juice container and hold under the pee hole for 30 sec, mark and date the level on the container. Periodically perform this test, say every 20 hours or so.

When you start to see a significant decrease in volume it’s time to change out the impeller. This isn’t an exact science, but will give you a general idea of the impellers physical condition.

Always perform the test under the same conditions as when you established the baseline volume:

- rpm
- In the water or on the trailer
- Same time period

Jay
 
If the vanes are gone, it might be a good idea to back flush the cooling system to hopefully get out any pieces of vane which has broken off.

Generally every 3 years or 200 hours is an impeller replacement schedule. But the condition can vary.
 
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