"Vinny" wrote in message
...
This is my first season prepping a boat for the water and
I have a question about maintenance of the water pump.
I've heard that you should change the impeller every 1 to 2 years.
I'm nervous about dropping the lower gear case to get at the pump.
I bought the boat last year, it was already in the water and ran
fine all season. I'm tempted to use the old "if it ain't broke" philosophy
but I'm sure this will get me into trouble at some point.

So two questions:
How often should an outboard water pump be serviced?
How hard is it to service the pump? Again I'm mostly concerned about
dropping the lower gear casing.
(BTW, it's a 1995 130HP Johnson)

Thanks in advance
-VI



Since you do not know the condition of the pump/impeller currently in there,
I would replace it prior to use. I am a stickler for maintenance, and after
having Johnson, Evenrude, Mercury, Mariner, and Yamaha outboards, I would
not bother with the water pump more than every 3 years unless you use the
hell out of it, or operate in sandy, muddy water, which tends to where on
the impeller.

Not familiar with that particular HP, but in general, put in reverse, remove
the 4 or 6 bolts holding the lower on, plus the one above the fin anode.
Once that is loose, the shift shaft needs to be uncoupled, then drop the
lower, it is heavy.

Replace the entire pump 1st time, check seals below it for any possible
damage. When putting on your new impeller, a slight film of oil or Vaseline
will help work the impeller into the pump housing. MAKE SURE YOU PUT IT IN
THE RIGHT DIRECTION, look at the way the old one comes out.

Then assemble.