Does anyone have any idea or insight on how to change water pump on this model unit? Is there any tips or tricks etc.? Thx

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Pretty straight forward...just order the water pump rebuild kit from boats.net and remove prop...the 9 bolts that hold the lower unit on (it's either 8 or 9) then get the lower unit somewhere you can work on it...remove the 4 bolts from the water pump housing and lift off the housing...your looking at the impeller now...tap up the compression ring and cover and remove from the shaft...now you can work the impeller up the shaft...afterwards remove the keyway from the shaft and lift off the wear plate...after that it's just reverse order

Put new wear plate on...tap in new keyway into shaft...slide new impeller down all the way to wear plate...replace insert in water pump housing along with new orings...when u get ready to put the water pump housing back on start it down the shaft and when you get to the impeller turn the shaft clockwise and push down on the housing and it will slide over the impeller and then bolt everything back up

It's not to hard, just take your time and google search for picture and video gobys I purchase from SimYamaha and get his deluxe kits such as this one http://www.simyamaha.com/Yamaha_Water_Pump_Repair_Kit_p/61a-w0078-a3-00dxrbkit.htm don't really need all the new parts.. but it make me feel good

The kit is cheaper at boats.net

I have the same model engine and did mine earlier this year. Fairly easy job, watch a few YouTube videos for guidance. The only tricky thing on mine was a tight metal band that was difficult to slide up and remove from the pole; it did not unscrew and had to be removed after the impeller but before removal of the housing. Feel free to PM me with questions.

That metal band is a retainer that has to be removed prior to removing the impeller...just use a small pry bar and work around it until it comes loose

Remove the water pump housing, remove the seal ring by tapping it up an off of the plastic retainer with a screwdriver-hammer, remover the plastic ring by spreading open and sliding up the main shaft, then the impeller can be removed. I have found it is best to use soap when re-installing. I get better water pressure.

Thanks Agin Guys! How often do y'all suggest it be changed?

Its a pretty straight forward job. One thing I will add is stock Yamaha impellers are marked up and rotation. Most shops say every year, I do mine every 3, but I don't fish every weekend, maybe 1 to 2 times a month average.

Every other year.

That's a good question. I would say every year, to be on the safe side.

However, I had my boat for almost three years ---- with regular use, say, at least once every three weeks on average ---- and when I went to change my impeller, the old one was near perfect. So they can definitely last almost three years, if that gives any perspective on the matter.

Best to have a working water pressure gauge and change the water pump when you have lower pressure. I have under low water conditions changed impellers more often.