Question About Bravo 3 Impeller Kits

TonyG13

First time buying a replacement kit for our Mercruiser 350 Bravo 3 impeller. Used to have the yard do it, but now will attempt it myself to learn and save money.

Received the kit today (Sierra 18-3150) and looking at the housing where the impeller goes it is not a perfect circle. It is every so slightly oblong, measuring 2" X 2-1/4".

Is this normal and by design?

YYZRC

Yes that is normal.

TonyG13

Thank you!! Was freaky out for a moment thinking it was a machine molding error - but the plate holes lining up made me think it might not be.

Dream_Inn

That abnormality is what allows the pump (impeller) to work correctly.  Where the vanes are compressed is where it pulls in the water.  A trick to getting the impeller installed is to use a good wire tie to pull the impeller vanes together to allow easier installation.

Cableguy Greg

Also use some dish soap along with the zip tie to get it installed. 

rasbury

Tony- is it over heating or just maintenance? The flat surfaces will get groved as you may already know about- would hate to see you pulling it back off if so...

TonyG13

@rasbury - Just buying for preventative maintenance and/or have it in case of emergency.

rasbury

Ah.....I unfortunately became an expert on my pump!