Changing the impeller

[Eric Z]

Has anyone done this at home? How hard is it? How long does it take? Where do I get started? I don't even know where it is located. If someone has pics of where and how I would really appreciate it. I am sure it is about time to do mine....Please help.

[Waynes345]

Relatively easy one or two beer job on a DD. The hardest part is usually prying the old one out. I don't know about a V drive but heard it's a little tougher to get to. Maybe two to three beers. Search the service thread as there are some very good threads about replacement. I take mine out when I winterize and put a new one in when time to get going again.

[Eric Z]

It is a v-drive. Where is it located?

[Wake Master]

It is located at the front of the engine (rear of the boat) it is mounted in front of the crankshaft. First purchase a new impeller and gasket. Remove the three screws on the front cover. Turn the key and bump the engine a couple of times with out starting. You can use 2 small screwdrivers to pry out the old impeller. Clean off the old gasket and install the new impeller. Make sure you install the new impeller with the fins in the same direction as the old impeller.

[Brian Raymond]

04-21-2009, 02:51 AM
Brian Raymond
Administrator Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Maryville, Tn.
Posts: 374



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I have found this to be the best way for me to remove impellers from direct drives and V drives. First-tools neded; (2) paint can openers, 5/16" wrench or socket set-up, Fantastik spray cleaner. First, disengage spark and fuel (unplug coil wire from dist. and pos. fuel pump wire on carb. models, unplug fuel pump and ign. control module wires on fuel inj. models). Remove faceplate from raw water pump (4-5/16" hex screws), spray Fantastik cleaner into the housing and "bump the motor over a few times. Insert the paint can openers @ the 1 and 7 o'clock position and pry it out. Once out, inspect the blades to be sure that they are all there. If some are missing, be sure to remove hoses before and after the pump to retrieve the missing blades to ensure no future overheating issues. The impeller is on a splined shaft, so when reinstalling, insert and turn in a clockwise motion until seated. when seated, push the rest of the way in with the palm of your hand until flush with the face, install new gasket (fat side of gasket to odd cyl. side of motor), insert screws and hand tighten. To finish the job, use your 5/16" tool and tighten every other screw until tight. Hope this helps. It is much easier than it sounds. DD models should take 5 min., V deives- maybe 10. Brian Raymond

[wolfeman131]

OK, I know that I could save myself some big $$ by winterizing my boat myself, but my work schedule always gets crazy this time of year and I find it worthwhile to pay to have the service done. I also appreciate the peace of mind that it's (probably) been done right.

We just wrapped up season 2 with the boat and are just under 100 hrs. Have been extremely pleased with my dealership from Day 1, but just got a shock when they emailed the invoice for the service performed yesterday.

I'm OK with $200 for an antifreeze flush winterization. Looks reasonable compared to what others have posted. I'm OK with $280 for the Oil & Filter change, new fuel filter, replacement of v-drive and transmisison fluid.

But $185 to replace the impeller?!?! Shop labor of 1.10 hrs?!?!

I sent an email to the Service Manager that includes Brian's quote above of "maybe 10" minutes and asked why such a difference. I'll let you know what kind of response I get and if my boat will ever go back there again.

[moombadaze]

Drew, Its really not to hard to do on your boat. Im sure you could have the whole process(fluids, impeller...) done in a afternoon.

Prices suck by the way, just priced the impeller at my local dealer about $45, went to the local mastercraft dealer and was $52.-same part. Will be internet ordering from skidim for $33. then i get the pleasure of doing it myself with the stereo jammin, neighbors love me when im working on the boat.

[wolfeman131]

Daze,

I wish I had an afternoon to do it! Cab's manual is fantastic and I'm pretty confident I could pull it off. However, every time the temps fell below 32 degrees, I'm sure my wife would give me that "I hope you did that right look & speech." Spending the $$ is WAY worth avoiding that!

Part price was close to yours @ $47 and I'm OK with that. It's the $126 in labor that I think is BS!

[jester]

Does anyone know the part number for the Impeller of a 08 OBV?

[wolfeman131]

OK, just got back from the dealership and my foot needs to be removed from my mouth!

First, props to Atlanta Marine. Kurt & Heidi were great. They called me and walked me through the entire process and procedure that they go through to change out the impeller which includes a run test to insure that the gasket sealed/seated properly and there are no leaks, issues, concerns, etc. This is great as they are 2 hrs from the lake house. They also showed me what all they have to take apart to get to the impeller & then put back on a v-drive configuration. In other words, I now get the labor hours involved.

They also called SC to confirm the "standard" hours for the job to make sure their techs weren't off and even called the Malibu dealer to check what they charge for this service. Atlanta Marine was under the standard SC hours and below the 'bu dealer.

Just a bit of sticker shock when I saw the bottom line, but I think the total was around what mmandley had posted before for the 100 hr service which is really what I had done.

So, I feel much better than I did before my initial post and me & my Moomba will be back to Atlanta Marine, no questions asked!