2004 Horizon 200 4.3 GL Impeller Replacement, etc. Help!

adambledsoe1978 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 11:27 am

Hello Everyone! I haven't had any known problems with my impeller (never been changed in 9 years), but I have been told by several sources that it is to be changed every 2 years. Where is the impeller, and how do I change it? I'm not a mechanic, but my father-in-law is. I'm sure we can do it, but I just want to do my homework.

Also, my temperature gauge isn't functioning properly. We checked with a multi-meter, and appeared to have continuity. I have no idea what that means.

Finally, I need to change the fuel filter. Is this the filter on the front starboard side of the engine?

Thanks for any help you all can give me!

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:15 pm

adambledsoe1978 wrote:

I haven't had any known problems with my impeller (never been changed in 9 years)

Ummm, yeah, thats a long time to go without a impeller change. The problem with going that long is that without warning it will just go bad, which always seem to happen when your the furthest from shore/dock.

adambledsoe1978 wrote:

Also, my temperature gauge isn't functioning properly.

Functioning properly how? Reading high? Low? Not at all? If high, it could be because your impeller is going bad and your gauge is trying to tell ya something.

As far as changing it, is your 4.3 a Volvo Penta or Merc? Should be a raw water pump run by a fanbelt on the front of the engine. Your impeller is in that. Very simple to remove, replace, re-install. Order a impeller kit, it comes with everything ya need. I order from this site: http://www.marinepartsexpress.com/

230 Mike · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:25 pm

It's possible that your gauge isn't "working properly" because your impeller has shed its worn-out vanes which are now blocking some/all of your water jackets, and/or the vanes are to the point where it can no longer suck raw water.

I hope that's not the case, but yes - your impeller needs attention before your next outing. If any pieces are missing from the current one, you want to try to find them if possible (might be time to check your thermostat too).

rpengr · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:41 pm

4.3 GL is Volvo Penta, correct?

Yes, the fuel filter is on the front Starboard side of the engine. Looks like a small oil filter (usually white). Be sure not to spill any fuel in your bilge...use something like a large ziplock back under and around the filter when you remove it.

Here is a link about the waterpump:
http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=10173&hilit=change+impeller

There are other items that should be done more than once every nine years also. If these items have been neglected, then you are long overdue for:
- Drive Removal
- Inspect / Change the bellows
- Grease the U-Joints
- Grease the drive shaft splines
- Check engine to drive alignment
Many people do these items every year, but on the long side, you should do them at least once per 2-3 years.

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:55 pm

rpengr wrote:

4.3 GL is Volvo Penta, correct?

Ooops, should read the title more closely :oops:

And +1 to everything else rpengr listed. These are the "basic" items that must be maintained annually, or at least every 2 years.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 1:01 pm

Remind me to never buy that boat if it goes for sale.

Impeller every year man. It's the most important part on the boat, also the most fragile. You should also change the fuel filter every couple months if running ethanol gas. Whens the last time you changed the engine and outdrive oil?

I highly suggest you read the owners manual and take a boaters safety course.

adambledsoe1978 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 1:56 pm

Thanks for all the very honest remarks. This is in fact a Volvo Penta. I bought the boat from my father about a month ago. He TOLD ME he had the boat serviced by a reputable dealer in NE Ohio yearly, but was unaware of needing the impeller changed. The boat is in immaculate condition, and only has 199 hours on it. It has never stayed in the water, and has always been stored indoors.

The temperature gauge does not appear to move at all. The engine does not appear to run hot, no smoke or smell of running hot. Everything seems to function well.

I changed the engine oil/filter myself this past weekend, and fixed a leak in the trim hydraulic line attached to the trim hydraulic cylinder.

Other than that, the boat is in good shape. I plan on getting the impeller changed out this week. I appreciate everyone's help/advice.

Had my mother not passed away in June, they would still own and enjoy the boat.

adambledsoe1978 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 2:00 pm

ric wrote:

Remind me to never buy that boat if it goes for sale.

I highly suggest you read the owners manual and take a boaters safety course.

I'll remind you. Though, I don't think I'll have a difficult time selling this boat in this area.

The owners manual is not as sufficient as I personally think it should be. I'm not a mechanic, but with proper instruction can fix something. Reading comprehension isn't a problem for me. I'm safe on the water. I live in Arkansas on moderate size lakes. Not a big deal here.

Thanks for the advice.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 2:47 pm

The owners manual gives a nice rundown of when and what to do maintenance on. It's by no means the bible of boat ownership just like a car owners manual isn't everything you need to know about owning a car. It's a good start though and will get you in the right direction of properly maintaining your investment.

If there's only one gauge on a boat to have, it would be the temp gauge. It's on several magnitudes more important then even the fuel gauge. Boats ingest raw unfiltered water for cooling which very very easily can get clogged, impeller damaged or who knows what. I would not use the boat until that is fixed. You're playing with fire while soaked in gasoline with it broken. By the time you notice it's overheating (running rough, smells burning) you most likely already caused a couple thousand dollars worth of damage that took 30 seconds to create.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 3:06 pm

Welcome to the forum, and I'm sorry for the loss of your Mother.

If the boat really was serviced by a good reputable dealer, then it's possible they've been changing the impeller. But realistically in the boating world, if they weren't told to do it, they didn't. Every 2 years is the spec, and safe. Every year is overkill unless you boat in shallow/muddy/sandy waters. In most water conditions, realistically you can get 3-4 years out of them safely but the risk isn't worth it given the cost of the part.

rpengr's list is a good one. I would add that your anodes probably need replaced. They're available in 3 materials and you need to select the right one for the waters you boat in. Fresh=magnesium, salt=zinc, brackish=aluminum.

It sounds like you might indeed have a gauge issue. Could be the gauge itself, the sender, or wiring in between.

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Jul 22, 2013 6:45 pm

I'd take a look to see if your dad has any of the bills from the servicing done, that would tell you what was done. Then you might be able to tell when it was last done.
The temp gauge, you can start with checking the resistance of the sending unit at different water temperatures as listed in the factory shop manual. There is also a procedure for checking the gauge.

Jafo4U · **Joined:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:33 am **Posts:** 1026

Don't forget the glycerin when installing the new impeller. They sell it at walgreens if it doesn't come with your kit.

Kvou812 · **Posted:** Tue Jul 23, 2013 8:37 am

" I live in Arkansas on moderate size lakes. Not a big deal here. "

Oh wow, and I thought I was the only one from Arkansas on here! Where in Arkansas are you located? I'm in Monticello, but do try to go up to Greers Ferry at least once a year...

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Jul 23, 2013 11:54 pm

adambledsoe1978 wrote:

Thanks for all the very honest remarks. This is in fact a Volvo Penta. I bought the boat from my father about a month ago. He TOLD ME he had the boat serviced by a reputable dealer in NE Ohio yearly, but was unaware of needing the impeller changed. The boat is in immaculate condition, and only has 199 hours on it. It has never stayed in the water, and has always been stored indoors.

The temperature gauge does not appear to move at all. The engine does not appear to run hot, no smoke or smell of running hot. Everything seems to function well.

I changed the engine oil/filter myself this past weekend, and fixed a leak in the trim hydraulic line attached to the trim hydraulic cylinder.

Other than that, the boat is in good shape. I plan on getting the impeller changed out this week. I appreciate everyone's help/advice.

Had my mother not passed away in June, they would still own and enjoy the boat.

Sorry about your Mother, and welcome to the forum.

Sounds like you're off to a good start... and don't worry about ric. Sometimes his mouth filter doesn't work.

adambledsoe1978 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 01, 2013 9:53 pm

Well guys, a little update. I got the impeller changed, oil/filter changed, trim leak fixed, fuel filter changed, and everything seems to be working fine, except that darn temperature gauge. It's killing me. I've done research, and I think I'm just going to have to pull the dash. I tried, but it seems stuck. I took the two screws out of the top of the exterior of the dash, but it won't come out. Any secrets?

We go to Greers Ferry a lot. We live in Conway, so it's just about an hour and a half.

OH YA, I almost forgot. Had a major blowout on my trailer tire. What the crap???!!! If it's not one thing, it's another. Gotta replace a fender and the inside of the fender where the carpet is. Also gotta change the tail light and running light along the side. Any ideas where I can get that stuff?

Thanks for everyones help!

www.iFourWinns.com

2004 Horizon 200 4.3 GL Impeller Replacement, etc. Help!

Who is online