Impeller Housing 1998 Ski Centurion

Question
Question: I have had no problems with engine running warm but when I took my boat in to have it serviced the tech recommended replacement of the impeller due to age. Boat has 350 hours on it and I am the second owner. He called a couple hours later and left a message saying that the impeller housing was messed up. I have not returned his call yet. What causes this to happen? Like I said I was having no problems prior to taking into shop.

Answer
Hi Todd

Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

Although I'm not a mechanic, I've learned from the pros that most marine engines, either inboard or outboard, require rebuilding around 500 hrs. Usually, the impeller is replaced every 150-200hrs., just to avoid ultimate failure during a voyage. It's a maintenance thing. As far as the housing is concerned, it is metal, and the impeller is rubber. When the impeller wears down, sometimes the heat partially melts the edges of the impeller which stick to the wall of the housing. It's easier to replace the housing rather than clean it. Even though you didn't seem to experience any difficulties with the impeller before taking the boat for service, it doesn't mean the impeller was working 100%. Ask your mechanic to show you the impeller and housing so you'll have a visual understanding of what has taken place.

Safe Boating
Ron