Has anyone had a problem removing the impeller blades from the impeller housing? After going thru contortions just to get the cover off, I can't seem to get the impeller out. I've tried using needle nose pliers & wiggling it, but it won't move. This is the impeller that was there when I got the boat last October, so I thought it would be a good idea to install a new one, since I don't know the condition of the one that's presently there. Is there a snap ring or something keeping it from coming out? It's hard to see down there, so I'm not sure. Any suggestions?
Jack
Jack, It is worthwhile investing in a puller. They cost about $50 but will save you lots of time. Pulls impeller evenly from the housing. There is nothing holding it other than a key. Probably just crudded up. Randy
Randy, Where does one get one of these pullers? Is it a Westerbeke thing or something from West Marine?
Jack
The raw water pump on the Westerbeke 40 is a Sherwood F-85 model....FYI.
Here's one.....http://www.depcopump.com/catalog107/141.pdf (http://www.depcopump.com/catalog107/141.pdf)
Rich, Thanks for the info. I just ordered one. This puller looks like the answer. I guess my next problem is taking some contortionist lessons so I can get in the right position to get my hands near the impeller to use the puller. Or maybe I can get a very small left-handed person to do it. Also, by the way, I also ordered one of those SpeedSeal impeller kits so maybe this will make future servicing a bit less difficult.
Jack
For what it's worth, I find it easier to access the pump and impeller from the port cockpit locker, reaching across with my right hand.
Actually....I just pull the whole raw water pump out to change the impeller....at least for me...it's the less painful way to go. I do have an extra raw water pump so I just swap them out. This came in VERY handy when the seal went out on my raw water pump comming back from Mexico...in a flash I had the new on installed and we were off and running (of course this happened at night...in a shipping lane...with no wind...and rough seas! Doesn't it always?)