I'm going to try my first impeller change this weekend. I have never done one before but I have watched a few videos online and read up on it some. I really don't like the idea of paying a shop an hour of labor for something that I know takes them 20 minutes to complete. Those of you who change your own impeller, do you have any tips before I attempt this job this weekend. My motor is a 2004 Tohatsu 4-Stroke 30hp.

 Have only done it once and didn't have any real problems. Everything lined up real nice when it went back together. Hopefully someone else (whose done it more than once) will chime in with some tips. Good Luck with it ...

skillet

If you want to do it by the book you may want to get a 3/8 inch torque wrench.  If you are only replacing the impeller make sure you inspect the housing for excessive wear.  Also make sure you turn it the right direction when you push the impeller into place.

If you want to do it by the book you may want to get a 3/8 inch torque wrench. If you are only replacing the impeller make sure you inspect the housing for excessive wear. Also make sure you turn it the right direction when you push the impeller into place.

I've read that it doesn't matter because, it will correct itself when the motor is run for the first time after the change but I will probably do that anyway.

If you want to do it by the book you may want to get a 3/8 inch torque wrench. If you are only replacing the impeller make sure you inspect the housing for excessive wear. Also make sure you turn it the right direction when you push the impeller into place.

I've read that it doesn't matter because, it will correct itself when the motor is run for the first time after the change but I will probably do that anyway.

It will correct itself. When we change them on the diesels, we give the impeller a light coat of clear grease or vaseline before installing it. It gives it a bit of lubrication until it picks up the water. ALWAYS inspect the housing and cam.

One time I replaced an impeller and sometimes it didn't pump right.  When I took it back apart one of the blades was facing the wrong way.  The manual on my new motor says to lubricate and turn it the right direction when installing.

As for lube on it, I had a fella tell me to use dishsoap.  Works perfect and there is no chance of petroleum attacking the rubber impeller.

Wow that was way to easy. I can't believe anyone would pay $140+ for a shop to do this. It didn't take me more than 30 minutes to complete.

 Glad there were no problems ...

skillet