2013 310EC Merc 350 Mag impeller replacement

gtyee

I am replacing the impellers on my 350 mags with 152 hours and any advice as the starboard pump seems tough to get at for my age. I was going to have it done by the marine but trust myself more to make sure it is perfect.

Glassguy54

Once upon a time, many years ago, I used to work as an auto mechanic and more recently have spent lots of time replacing parts on the grand-daughter's car to keep it running- upper control arms, starter, power steering pump, ignition switch, rear wheel hub assemblies- so when I needed to replace my impeller (single Merc 350 MAG MPI) I discovered it was very tight in the 246 engine compartment, so I had it done, saving myself untold frustration. I would prefer to do it myself, but there's just no way I can squeeze and contort myself to the degree necessary to accomplish the task.

reneechris14

Take off belt,take off idler,slide pump forward a little then try the hose clamps.5/16 with a swivel worked for me.remember the position of the clamp for the return event.oh good luck 

califco

I have to do the same before the season starts. Check out this post:



http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=7491&p=72754

Cableguy Greg

There are quick release clamps on the red hose, which makes things easier.

Liberty44140

I'll be doing this myself on a 2006 merc mag mpi horizon soon. Califco, great find on that thread! I'll be using it. Question for you guys- the o ring that came with my new impellers is a Circle, not the 8 like shape. Do I use the Circle and push it in the 8 shape grooves or do I need to order the 8 shape gasket separate? 

Cableguy Greg

The O-ring will go into the grooves of the pump and form to the shape that it needs to be. It will look like Mickey Mouse ears.

Liberty44140

Thanks Greg, glad I don't need to order another gasket. 

jme097

Not hard at all. Makes it way easier if you remove the fuel cooler module (if you even have one). After that is out of the way and the idler pulley is loosened, its not hard. Just some knicks on your knuckles! Per Merc, those impellars should last 2 seasons. All depends on the usage of course. I replaced mine last year, I don't plan on messing with it this year

skennelly

I needed to replace the entire pump mid season while the boat was in it's slip.  Had to plug the intake hose cause water would come rushing in.  All in all I'd say it's not that bad of job especially if you are on land when you do it.

reneechris14

@skennelly that 1 1/2 hose can fill the Blige pretty quickly,if you pull it up high enough it's stops,I wonder how I learn that.much safer on dry land.

jme097

Hahaha @reneechris14 do tell!

skennelly

@reneechris14 ha ha yeah I was prepared but still freaked out when it came rushing in.

Cableguy Greg

I did the same thing on my friends 270 last summer. It does freak you out for a moment or two. We just raised the hose and tied it off while the pump was out.

gtyee

It doesn't seem hard just a pain to get to the starboard side. Thanks for the response from all.

skennelly

@gtyee I see that we are from the same city...Do you boat Lake Michigan?  Which harbor are you out of?

gtyee

actually live in Lakewood but have my boat at Diversey Harbor k dock k1, right in front of the yacht club. Where you out of? 

skennelly

@gtyee - I live in the northwest burbs, but keep boat at Burnham Harbor.

gtyee

@skennelly we'll have to get together at playpen this summer and maybe talk @bry1429 into meeting us with his 360 for an afternoon

Michael T

Guys.... that meeting will require pictures!

I am surprised that Rinker has not shot promotional  pictures of @gtyee's snd @bry1429's boats side by side for their brochure/promotion books which , last time I looked, needed  a serious up-dating. 

gtyee

@Michael T we will definitely get some pictures this summer, have some trips planned to the other side of the lake

Michael T

If you get across to the Canadian side (30%+) dollar advantage for you,  I would drop-in if my schedule  permitted it. 

skennelly

@gtyee - you're on.  I don't spend a whole lot of time in the pen...But a few times a season.  Prefer less congested areas.

gtyee

@skennelly we could go see @bry429 in Hammond and gamble some dough away. @Michael T not sure I'll go that far but I'll let you know. Toronto is one of mine and my wife's favorite places. Shopping is good too! Planning to do some of the Michigan side

skennelly

@gtyee - last year we did a trip to Saugatuk Mi.  It was awesome.  Stayed overnight at st Joe, new Buffalo and Saugatuk took 4 days.  We made it to Hammond and gambled once...lost but got a free buffet

gtyee

@skennelly - sounds like the trip I want to do this summer. Going to South Haven July 14 and will probably hit Saugatuk right after.