www.iFourWinns.com

Hello all,

I know bc my impeller is over 2 yrs old it would behoove me to replace it, but I'm getting married in 7 days, and its not going to happen! After thehoneymoon, boating season is in ful swing. So my question is this, is there an imminent failure in my future, or can I get away with driving it for this season considering it's given me no issues and I only put about 8 hrs max/ yr on it(we anchor a lot).

Of course I will always have a spare kit on board. What tools do I need to change it on the water--never did a Volvo before

thanks for ur help guys!!!!

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2000 268 Vista
7.4 VP DP

I always replace my impeller every other year. I look at the old one coming out, it has a few nicks but looks OK. I have a friend who goes 3 years. That said, the VP owners manual says replace it every year according to my dealer. You might want to consider the warranty if any is left. Warranty usually calls for doing the recommended maintenance.

Has your buddy had any issues with the 3 yr plan? No warrenty, it's a 2000

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2000 268 Vista
7.4 VP DP

I'd replace it. Cheap insurance. Would you rather replace it at your leisure, or on a hot engine stuck in a bay?

With that said, I normally do every other year. When I replaced mine this year, it looked BRAND new, so I'm keeping it on board as a spare.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Of course I'd rather do it now, just don't have an opportunity until after honeymoon, then were on it every weekend, so looks like there is a decent chance it will be ok with the limited use (about .5hrs a weekend). What tools do I need to change it on the water? Again, never done a volvo?

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2000 268 Vista
7.4 VP DP

I believe just a flat blade screwdriver, and some sockets. I've got it written down next to my impeller what size sockets, but thats in the boat.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I had my mechanic change it today after 3 years (only 100 hours) and it looked brand new. I had him show me what needs to be done in case of emergency and other than screwdriver and sockets I keep on the boat, I am going to add a 6" socket extension b/c that made it a bit easier.

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2005 Vista 268 "ALTEAN"

I used to be able to change my old 278's impeller with the boat in the water without a problem. When I tried to do it with my 268 in its slip, the water just kept on coming. I suppose you could shove a rag in the hose and make an emergency impeller change but I would not want to do it. I have had an impeller fail after 2.5 years. Now I put a new one in every spring.

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Martin
04 268 Vista - Knot Again
08 Boston Whaler 130 Sport - Double Good
Previous Boat:
97 278 Vista - Buoy Howdy

I figured there would be somewater come in, but figured there was a stop valve. I can try to pinch or clog the the cooling line.

Any else have that issue on the water with their 268?

Again, mines a 454 CI Volvo.

Thanks for all the help guys. Even if mine does fail, I can prob nurse it home. The drive is short.

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2000 268 Vista
7.4 VP DP

I would assume you'd be able to hold up the inlet hose above the static water line and that would stop the water from gushing in....

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I'd replace it now. And following that, every year IN THE SPRING, not the fall. Freezing water during winter months is hell on rubber.

You can't put a price on peace of mind.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

There is no stop valve (or for that matter, an inlet water filter on VP gasoline engines/ outdrives; strangely, VP seem to think it's imperative to have a raw water filter on their outdrive diesels, but not on a gasoline engine!).

I've never had to change an impellor on the water but I carry the necessary tools (M5 socket head screws are a lot easier to remove/ refit than the standard screws). I also carry a couble of flat prieces of timber and Vise Grip pliers, to close off the inlet water hose without damaging it, if it's ever needed.

Graham

I've changed the impeller on my Cobra each season but the ones I take out look new still...I take them out because often we get small barnacles growing in the water intakes and I have to remove the impeller housing (in the upper drive housing under a plastic cover) to flush out the remains of the barnacles after I break em up with a little screwdriver. I save the used impellers still in the housing because if I ever had a failure I could change the impeller with the boat in the water by tilting the drive all the way up and hanging off the swimplatform (like changing a prop).

If you have a Volvo or a Bravo with the engine mounted pump and have to change it with the boat in the water I'd advise getting a wooden plug the same diameter as the water intake line because water can come in if the hose is below the water level...I've done the same thing when changing thermostats on the water because if the water intake line drops down below the water level water can siphon into the boat...

The Cobra impeller design is one thing that OMC definitely did right...probably the easiest one to change I have seen because you remove the 3 screws holding the cover on the rear of the upper housing and there it is....

http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog ... 09,507,508


The housing is part #13 and the impelller itself is part #12....the cover you remove is part #62

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Does anyone know where I can get the 7.4 gsi? I need it for my impeller replacement. My buddy is going to do it for me while I'm away! Pays to have awesome friends.

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2000 268 Vista
7.4 VP DP

Ok...you guys have me sold. Where is a good place to get one for my duel prop 5.7 Volvo? Thx..

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2000 23.8 Four Winns Vista
Windermere