Raw Water Pump Impeller Replacement - F-26/Chrysler 318

randyp · Post by **randyp** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 6:12 pm

OK, I need some help here. I've always had my marina change out the impeller on the raw water pump impeller, but I'm taking an extended trip in the old girl and JUST IN CASE would like to know
(1) how to get at the water pump
(2) how to change the impeller (hopefully without bunging up the pump!)

Any suggestions/guidance from those of you who have gone where RandyP has not?

Many thanks!

LandVF36 · Post by **LandVF36** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 7:33 pm

If its an external pump, there are two or three bolts from the back side (opposite the pully) and and arm to the front of the block with an adjusting slot. Looses the sliding bold, and remote the other end of the arm. Then there should be 2 bolds from the back.. Once it drops down, remove the water lines and lift it out.

6 bolts usually from the back that hold the pump housing. You remove them and slide the housing off. The impeller will normally stay inside. Pull the old one out and slip the new one in. If they provide grease, it goes on the back side of the impeller, on the tips of "fingers" and on the front side before you place it back in the housing. Line up the key on the shaft and slip it back together.

Goes back together pretty much the way you took it out. Make certain to tighten the pully. Not enough tension, the belt will burn off. Too much and you'll burn out the bearing in the pump. About a 1/4 inch deflection of the belt with firm pressure is about right. Just compare with the other belts to get it right.

Should only take about 20 minutes start to stop. Have a good set of 3/8 dirve ratchets with 6" extension and a universal swivel and you should be fine.

Mitch

chucka · Post by **chucka** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 11:12 pm

I removed the original water tank from my F-26 making access to the port side of the engine much easier than it was originally. I now have a rectangular plastic water tank in the bottom of the hanging locker, so the port side of the engine is pretty accessible. Even so, it's a challenge for me to drag my almost 50 year old bones down there, and I consider myself to be pretty agile. I go through a bit of swearing every year when I pull out and re-install the water pump as described above. If the original water tank is in place, you might need a contortionist to get at it.

Good Luck!
Chuck

randyp · Post by **randyp** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:33 pm

Thanks, guys! Considering that I have a big ass water tank on the port side AND I'm pushing 64 (and a lot fatter than I was at, say, 12....) I may just throw some money at my marina mechanic, but ya never know (my wife is always looking to "help out" around the boat!).

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:15 pm

Randy, not sure but here is an exploded parts view. Perhaps one of these pics is of your set-up.

kallen · Post by **kallen** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:37 pm

Dont forget to close the sea-cock. Also it helps if you mark the rotation of the pulley so you can try it before re-installation to make sure that the impeller vanes are going in the right direction. apply a lubricant to the vanes (vaseline, white grease etc.) so the impeller does not start up dry.

g36 · Post by **g36** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:57 pm

after impeller installation the pump can also be installed upside down and will operate backwards. which you will know quickly when you see bubbles coming up under the boat when you start it up.. i know somebody who did this, i sure wouldnt tell anything on myself.

LandVF36 · Post by **LandVF36** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:49 pm

I guess I forgot about space... They were not so fun to replace on my last boat as I now recall. In the F36, I can sit between the engines and change the port engine pump. On the starboard side, I can sit between the pulleys and firewall. I guess I pay for the extra space at the gas dock all summer long, but it does make maintenance tasks a breeze.

If the mrs is not so willing, how about kids / grandkids? When I have something to be done in a tight space, I try to turn it into a "learning" experience for an aspireing boater / mechanic.

Mitch