Impeller Replacment Need Tips?

[RYAN]

Planning on replacing the impeller on an 98 outback any tips for a first timer?

[maxpower220]

Screwdriver to get the cover off and pliers to pull out the impeller. If it doesn't come out fairly easily, spray lube onto the shaft. You can also try "bumping the engine over" a few times.
Once off, lube the shaft of the new impeller and install with a new gasket. Keep old one as a spare if it is still in good condition.
Hope this helps.

[RYAN]

Does the impeller have a grove or key that i need to replace?

[Reese350]

Anyone have experience doing this on an LSV? I was thinking of attempting it in the spring. I've already bought the part and the gasket.

[Sled491]

Does the impeller have a grove or key that i need to replace?

the shaft is splined so no worries on a drift key needing replacement. Just be paintent and work it out, eventually it will come. Good luck.

[kaneboats]

First time I did it I remember thinking it was never going to come out. About 5 min later it just popped out-- I did spray it.

[04OUTBACK]

Reese,
search some old posts.. there are several good tips. JesseC has a good one.. he takes the water pump of the pulley.. i can't get mine off.

I found that if you remove the bracket arm off so the pump free spins you can get the impeller out easier..

It is not the most fun job, but it is doable in 30-45.. thereby saving a ton at the dealer. Needle nose plier help.. especially if you don't worry about hurting the old one.. you can use 2 screwdrivers to pry it or even 2 paint can openers.. the Impeller pullers would be great, i am just too cheap..

BW

[moombadaze]

Anyone have experience doing this on an LSV? I was thinking of attempting it in the spring. I've already bought the part and the gasket.

Reese, it is harder but not to bad-we have the same boat as you know-just getting access is the hardest-i have allways done my own . What i found to be the easiest was to remove the port side engine to storage area board(not sure what else to call it). I will then remove the 4 little brass bolts that hold the empeller cover on being carefull not to drop them, then i will lay down in the storage area and reach in and with a pair of needle nose pliers remove the empeller and its not easy to do. I allways would then put a very small dab of wheel bearing grease on my finger and lubricate the inside of the impeller housing and then put the new impeller in with the new gasket. The brass bolts are not real hard to get back in just dont drop them and you dont want to overtighten them just a half turn or so past snug. Hope this helps and JesseC ? also has a good writeup someplace on here on this for vdrives.

[Sled491]

Reese,
search some old posts.. there are several good tips. JesseC has a good one.. he takes the water pump of the pulley.. i can't get mine off.

I found that if you remove the bracket arm off so the pump free spins you can get the impeller out easier..

It is not the most fun job, but it is doable in 30-45.. thereby saving a ton at the dealer. Needle nose plier help.. especially if you don't worry about hurting the old one.. you can use 2 screwdrivers to pry it or even 2 paint can openers.. the Impeller pullers would be great, i am just too cheap..

BW

They make a puller? Really? Who has this magnificant device? I also think 35 - 40 minutes is a stretch for an Outback. It took about 15 - 20.

[lowdrag]

Anyone have experience doing this on an LSV? I was thinking of attempting it in the spring. I've already bought the part and the gasket.

I've found that the easiest way to do it on my v-drive, is to just unbolt the bracket that holds the pump housing in place. Unbolt it at the elbow where it makes an L shape. You can then use the piece of the bracket to rotate the housing back and forth which usually makes the impeller pop out pretty easily. I don't like to do too much prying or grabbing with pliers because I usually bag up the old propeller if it's in decent shape and use it as a spare.