Impeller W40

[jackjanos]

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

[Randy]

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

[jackjanos]

Randy,  Where does one get one of these pullers?  Is it a Westerbeke thing or something from West Marine?
Jack

[SV THIRD DAY]

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

[jackjanos]

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

[brian chalk]

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.

[SV THIRD DAY]

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?)