Impeller Lube

[RDW]

Anybody just used a silicone impeller? They are advertised as run dry impellers that resist breaking apart with short dry runs.
rdw

[phantomracer]

the impeller is only a couple bucks. I just replace it every year. I use some hand soap to lube it. Been fine for years.

[Jim Cate]

Frankly, I'm astonished at the replacement schedules posted above!!!

OUr raw water pumps have always been bog standard Johnston pumps, and the impellers last around a thousand hours before starting to shed vanes. So, I replace them at around 900 to 1000 hours... or if I forget, when the water ceases to flow!

Jim

[phantomracer]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Frankly, I'm astonished at the replacement schedules posted above!!!

OUr raw water pumps have always been bog standard Johnston pumps, and the impellers last around a thousand hours before starting to shed vanes. So, I replace them at around 900 to 1000 hours... or if I forget, when the water ceases to flow!

Jim

agree... but they are like $5 each. In the last 7 seasons, I had 2 impellers fail (broken or torn blades) after leaving them in over the winter. I think the blades just don't like to be left bent over a period of time.

They are the least expensive part on the boat. If it comes out for inspection at the end of the year, it doesn't go back in.

I think if it were run more often it would last longer.

It is just part of my winterization. right after I change the oil and filters, I pull the impeller and o-ring and toss them. I leave a new one near the motor to install in the spring.

There are still people who change the oil in their cars every 3,000 miles, even though the interval is now 10-12,000 miles. At least the impeller is a lot less expensive than that!

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Frankly, I'm astonished at the replacement schedules posted above!!!

OUr raw water pumps have always been bog standard Johnston pumps, and the impellers last around a thousand hours before starting to shed vanes. So, I replace them at around 900 to 1000 hours... or if I forget, when the water ceases to flow!

Jim

My experience as well

I use from silicone mask stuff, from a dive shop. $6 can will outlive me

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by CS Cruiser

Glycerin is what you want for that, get at drug store cheap compared to marine store under a different label.

Yep, that will work.

I think the lubricant is more for getting the impeller installed than anything else.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

............A bit of Googling shows that neither KY nor Astroglide is silicone based, which surprised me. .........

Considering that it's intended to be inserted into the human body, that wouldn't surprise me.