[Uhehner]

Does anyone know of a manufacturer that makes high grade raw water pump impellers? Something that will not break up in pieces after one season. The OEM brands have gotten worse over the years and the outboard pumps on many installations are barely visible. Years ago impellers wore out or took a set and caused an overheat. Now they crack or break apart and plug the heat exchangers downstream. I can read about changing them but to actually do the job I need a strong midget contortionist. I'm thinking maybe a polyurethane type impeller. Comments please. Capt. George

[skindr]

Try sbar.com they sell the seamax brand which is an improvement over the fragile Sherwood pump. Look over the boatdiesel.com site and you will see many references to these pumps.

[greylion]

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I agree with above post if it's diesel impellers you want, Cummins or Cats.

[anthem]

You have to replace impellers every year? They should not be coming apart in a year. I replace mine every two to three years. The ones I pull out look as good as the new ones I put back in. Is your boat lift kept? Maybe they are drying out and a dry start is destroying them.

[BustAndBalls]

Another reason for premature impeller failure is using cheap anti-freeze when winterizing. Stay away from the $2.99 blue light special junk at the Walmart. These have alcohol in them which swell up the impeller and make them like gummy bears. In the spring when the engine is fired up, the impeller self destructs. But if you still want a better imp, try the ones by Globe. The are blue nitrile and claim to be able to run dry 15 minutes without damage. Don't know that I buy that, but they do seam to hold up better than the black rubber.

[Uhehner]

Another reason for premature impeller failure is using cheap anti-freeze when winterizing. Stay away from the $2.99 blue light special junk at the Walmart. These have alcohol in them which swell up the impeller and make them like gummy bears. In the spring when the engine is fired up, the impeller self destructs. But if you still want a better imp, try the ones by Globe. The are blue nitrile and claim to be able to run dry 15 minutes without damage. Don't know that I buy that, but they do seam to hold up better than the black rubber.

Well we live in Florida and don't winterize and the boats are afloat year round. I'll try the Globe Impellers next time. Capt. George