Bendable Impeller Pumps
Many boats include a number of jobs for the use of flexible rotors. They are frequently utilized for shower drain sump pumps, air conditioning system pumps, bilge pumps, and oil changing devices. These rotors are typically not repairable; the entire assembly, pump and impeller, is changed at one time. Raw water pumps on engines and gen sets on the other hand, contain impellers that are vital to the operation of the vessel. This type of impeller is replaced as required. Impellers will and do stop working, frequently at the most inconvenient times. Why do they stop working? Flexible impeller pumps work the best when they are run on a regular basis. If your centrifugal pump stays still for months it might become stuck in a permanent spot. The impeller could also fasten to the rotary pump body and tear apart as the pump begins rotating the rotor. Rotors are frequently destroyed by litter that gets pulled in, and for the most part by operating them dried up. All it requires is a sea-cock left shut as you start your marine engine, and your rotor will almost immediately be a torn up hunk of plastic. Obviously, you need to inspect your boat engines water exhaust for the proper amount of water flow every time you start the marine engines. You need to also look at the rotor's condition during spring re-commissioning and every 200 hours or so of running. Properly installed rotors could last for a few years, but you need to stick to a schedule of preventive maintenance instead of crisis maintenance. Nonetheless, an impeller will in due course quit when in running, and typically at an inopportune moment in time. Always have an extra. Deciding on the Right Impeller
Get rid of the rotor from your marine engine and cross reference the item number with a Jabsco impeller part table. Or you could measure the rotor and match up the size with a new impeller. Salt water centrifugal pump rotor replacement:
1. Replacement is rather easy. Shut the boat engine's sea-cock.
2. Eliminate the pump's rotor cover screws and remove the cover and gasket.
3. Yank the old impeller out with vise grips or needle-nosed pliers. For the best extraction or if the above tools will not work use a rotor puller device. Do not utilize a screwdriver to force it out as you might damage the bronze rotary pump body and cause leaks.
4. Once the rotor is out, inspect it carefully.
5. If the rotor does not have all its pieces, be sure to locate all the pieces. Small chunks of the impeller will move into the heat exchanger and bring about likely overheating. Installing a New Impeller
Every brand new rotor will have an impeller cover gasket, lubrication (usually glycerin), and seals. 1. Never forget to check the centrifugal pump main part for both deterioration and debris. Run your finger about the interior of the centrifugal pump body to feel for breakage or wear; give it a thorough visual examination.
2. Once you have completed that, utilizing the lubrication supplied with the package, lubricate the inside of the impeller covering to make installation go easier. The lube will also help to get rid of some of the friction of the first dry power up.
3. Lube the whole exterior of the rotor with the provided lubricant.
4. Line up the groove for the rotary pump shaft.
5. I have heard of folks using synthetic tie wraps to pre-compress the impeller for insertion although I never will. I've replaced a good number of rotors and they all were replaced without a zip tie compressing it.
6. Begin by slowly pushing the impeller into the rotary pump housing. Twist the vanes allowing them to flex. Once you put the vanes in the pump, it will fit in without difficulty.
7. If your impeller has vanes going in various directions when you took it out, do not be worried. The vanes will line themselves up when you power up the engine. Even though you install it entirely backwards of the pumps rotary movement it would fix itself with no prolonged lasting issue.
8. When put in, begin the engines and check for water leaks at the centrifugal pump and inspect to make sure the boat engine is pumping water. Mike Dickens, the author, is a live aboard boat owner and owner/Broker of Paradise Yachts in Florida USA. Paradise Yachts offers used quality yachts to customers worldwide. National and international sales. We ship Used Trawlers, Motor Yachts and Cruisers worldwide. Located in Florida, USA. 904/556-9431
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