Impeller change on Cat 3116

[Yellovette]

Recently changed the impeller on my portside Cat 3116. Not too bad a job as it was accessible from the alleyway between the two engines. Next will be the starboard side. This one looks like it'll be a real PITA. I'm thinking I'll have to remove the exhaust pipe to get to the raw water pump.

Has anyone got any words of wisdom or suggestions? My 380 is a 99' but its new to me so this will be my first time doing this job. I will likely do the impeller on the generator at the same time.

YV

 

[dtfeld]

The better the access the easier the job for sure, so pulling the exhaust is a good and easy solution. To get the exhaust off, you need to get the rubber hose good and hot with a heat gun, wear gloves and work it off.

One of the issues with these pumps is getting the key set without dropping it in the inlet pipe. After you've done it a couple times, not a hard job. First time, you may want to pull the pump off and replace on the bench.

 

[Yellovette]

The better the access the easier the job for sure, so pulling the exhaust is a good and easy solution. To get the exhaust off, you need to get the rubber hose good and hot with a heat gun, wear gloves and work it off.

One of the issues with these pumps is getting the key set without dropping it in the inlet pipe. After you've done it a couple times, not a hard job. First time, you may want to pull the pump off and replace on tbe bench.

Thanks for the tip on getting the exhaust pipe off. I will definitely do that. that was a bit of a concern. No problem on loosing the key on the port engine side.

 

[Strecker25]

I assume you used the threaded bolt to push the impeller out? I pulled out the sensor that's in the way, if memory serves it's the oil pressure sender, to make more room to remove the old. With that out of the way and the exhaust pipe removed it was pretty easy to replace it.

How was your cover plate on the port side? I replaced both of mine as it was pretty well grooved

 

[Yellovette]

You're absolutely right. I learned years ago to only buy the impellers with the threaded openings. Makes removal super easy. Yes, also removed the oil sender for access. My cover plate was fine. My engines only have 550 original hours so not much wear. I did learn some time ago, the trick to reversing the covers if they're excessively worn. Just wire brush off any paint and you've got a new cover plate.

 

[mrsrobinson]

On my 3126, which I assume is very similar, yes, I removed the exhaust hose. I did not have to heat up the hose though. I used Penetrant oil, lots of twisting, turning and patience and they came off.

I recall something was different with the oil sender unit on that side though, different than the port.

 

[ttmott]

You're absolutely right. I learned years ago to only buy the impellers with the threaded openings. Makes removal super easy. Yes, also removed the oil sender for access. My cover plate was fine. My engines only have 550 original hours so not much wear. I did learn some time ago, the trick to reversing the covers if they're excessively worn. Just wire brush off any paint and you've got a new cover plate.

I assume you used the threaded bolt to push the impeller out? I pulled out the sensor that's in the way, if memory serves it's the oil pressure sender, to make more room to remove the old. With that out of the way and the exhaust pipe removed it was pretty easy to replace it.

How was your cover plate on the port side? I replaced both of mine as it was pretty well grooved

The sender and hose can be rotated around to the other side of the fuel cooler support bracket. Everything will be out of the way for good. I think I had some pics on how to do that in the 400DA thread.