ok, I'll look into getting a kit. Pat, keep everybody in line in Rockport for me.

Why replace a part that does not need changing?

I can understand wanting to change the impeller if it takes a lot of labor to get to it. But if a part is easy to access, why bother changing it if it looks good?

OK guys, I made the executive decision, I doubt seriously that the housing (cup) is bad. It was not started from a dry state, was wet then no water for 20 seconds then off. I ordered an impeller kit , impeller, gaskets, just in case one tears up. If I don't need it, I will have it for annual change out. If it looks good it stays in. I will pull it and make sure there was no melt or scores.

thanks for the help, I value the experience of you guys.

Because the parts are cheap compared to a failure and resultant overheating.... having to be towed, etc.

If you inspect the impeller and the vanes do not stand straight out when you remove the water pump housing, then it has already taken a "set" and the pump efficiency has been reduced. The biggest problem with impellers (besides folks staring the engine for even a few seconds) is the lack of use most boats experience over the year. If the boat was used daily, the impeller would probably last for many years. But when they just sit for week, months, on end, one third of the vanes are heavily compressed. The rubber takes a set, and those vanes won't flex back out like the should when rotating. That causes it not to pump the volume and pressure required to cool the motor. Think of it like a tire on a car (espicially the old bias ply tires), if you let them sit for too long in one position, they get a set in the tire. Then when you drive it, you feel a flat spot, or vibration in the tire.

I've been doing my water pumps on boats for over 40years. I/O's, outboard, and inboards. I change them every over year regardless of hours. It's just smart preventative maintenance, and cheap insurance.

My Johnson 150 was easy except for getting the shifter reattached. Got some universal extension sets at Harbor Freight to make it easier to reattach.

It's not a big deal. It helps to have two people for the extra hands for hooking up the speedo and shift shaft. Its not so easy that I would ever take it apart just to inspect. Just put the new parts in.

Well something I learned a long time ago. Work smarter not harder. Time is money. Water pump kits are not that expensive.

The first time I ever did it was by myself. I just did it for the second time last week, but this time I had help and it went easier. It's a fairly easy task on my Optimax. I agree with the others, buy the kit and replace everything while you have the lower off. Good luck.

I was intimidated as well but did mine on a 2004 225 Yamaha HPDI about a month ago. Bought the kit and replaced every thing in it. Hardest part was getting the woodruff key out is was in there pretty good, the rest was easy. There write about if your going to pull it apart then replace it no need in doing it twice.