Carver Owners Forum

I struggled for an hour trying to put new impellar in seawater pump today and then used a hose clamp to bend the blades around the hub enough to get started into pump housing. The keyway was still a bear to keep in place while inserting the impellar but some good light to line up impellar with key finally paid off. Have no idea how one would get impellar installed with pump on motor.

I have changed quite a few over the years in various units. A little tricky the first time but if you lube it up (I use silicone lube) and then the twist and push technique, it should install quite easily. Do not use oil or grease as they can cause swelling of the impeller, dishwashing soap also works well.

Found this which shows how easily it is done.

I've been doing it all wrong all these years, I see now to make it easier, I should have been removing the generator and doing it on the bench I can do it in a suit and tie that way It's definitely a different experience trying to do it in the boat as I'm sure we're all aware, especially if you're working blind because you can't get in front of it to see what you're doing. Came close to removing some generators myself just for an impeller change. Oh the joy, the excitement of working on boats

On my Carver I sit comfortably between the 2 engines and stare at the impeller in my face. Joy to work on. My previous boat was a real PITA due to placement.

on my 355 its also very easy to change. About 30 minutes including a 10 minute beer break. One of few items with easy access.

Unfortunately my pump is in an awkward position to replace impellar while it is installed on genset. Also the keyway is removable and is in a half moon shape causing it to fall out with the slightest touch as you would attempt to install impellar on shaft. Using a clamp to curl blades and then gently pushed impellar in with keyway perfectly aligned so as not to knock key out of place took a lot of patience.

Unfortunately my pump is in an awkward position to replace impellar while it is installed on genset. Also the keyway is removable and is in a half moon shape causing it to fall out with the slightest touch as you would attempt to install impellar on shaft. Using a clamp to curl blades and then gently pushed impellar in with keyway perfectly aligned so as not to knock key out of place took a lot of patience.

Instead of the hose clamp you used,I use several zip ties to bend all the vanes in one direction. As I insert the impeller (lots of dish washing soap to lube) I cut the first zip tie and slide it to the next one, cut, slide again......