3116 - Impeller key missing

[GnrlPatton]

Well, not exactly missing, I know where it's at. As I was changing out my impellers for the first time (for me anyway), I was trying to squeeze the new impeller into the housing and the key came out of the slot in the impeller. No big deal I thought, I'll just pull the impeller back out and start over. Problem is, it apparently fell down into one of the 3 slots that feeds up from the water intake, and is probably resting at the elbow about 4" below the pump. I freaked out a little, and started trying to figure out how to get it out of there. First thought was to get a magnetized grabber tool down the slot and feel around for the key. Nothing I put down there would retrieve it, the one magnetic grabber was too big to fit down the intake ports. My next thought was that I would just take the intake hoses off the elbow, and the key would be right there. I removed several of the hose clamps, brackets, etc. and could not get it apart, the hoses were too "welded" on and things were too tight to get them apart.

I ended up using a key from my spare stash and put the whole thing back together, leaving the key in there. I did start the motor to check for leaks and then warm it up in preparation for my oil change. I didn't notice any problems, it came up to temp at the same rate as the starboard motor, and I had good flow out the stern. My concern is that when I put it under load the key may get pulled up by the water flow and destroy the impeller. I think for peace of mind, I want to get it out of there, but I'm wondering what you all think the urgency is.

Should I get it out immediately? Is it not that big of a concern? If I do need to fish it out, would a flexible magnet work on grabbing the key or is it non-ferromagnetic? I should have tried with the replacement key to see if it would be, but didn't.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Kevin

 

[fwebster]

Don't even start the engine until you retrieve the key. Not only the impeller but the inside of the pump housing and the cam block can be destroyed. Instead of just a 50 cent key, there is a $900 -$1500 pump at risk.

The seawater hoses are steel reinforced and can be hard to remove. They may Also have been installed with a gasket sealer. Go to a real auto parts store and buy A hose removal tool....looks like an ice pick with a 90 degree bend on the pointy end. Then take the hoses off and try the magnetic pick up tool.

This can let a Lot of water in the boat so be sure your seacock will close. A trick is to get a 2 ft , or a length that extends above the waterline, and temporarily put on the seacock and run the magnetic pick up thru the hose.

 

[GnrlPatton]

Don't even start the engine until you retrieve the key. Not only the impeller but the inside of the pump housing and the cam block can be destroyed. Instead of just a 50 cent key, there is a $900 -$1500 pump at risk.

The seawater hoses are steel reinforced and can be hard to remove. They may Also have been installed with a gasket sealer. Go to a real auto parts store and buy A hose removal tool....looks like an ice pick with a 90 degree bend on the pointy end. Then take the hoses off and try the magnetic pick up tool.

This can let a Lot of water in the boat so be sure your seacock will close. A trick is to get a 2 ft , or a length that extends above the waterline, and temporarily put on the seacock and run the magnetic pick up thru the hose.

Thank you Frank. I went back last night and tried the fish it out with a magnet approach but that didn't go well. I ended up being a bit more forceful on the connector hose and was able to get it off, the key fell right out and I had it all back together again quickly. Glad I asked the question, I think I kind of knew the answer anyway, but just wanted confirmation.

Kevin

 

[JC3]

Good job Kevin. FrankW has been a life saver many, many, many times! JC

 

[JC3]

Good job Kevin. FrankW has been a life saver many, many, many times! JC

 

[JVM225]

Good job Kevin. FrankW has been a life saver many, many, many times! JC

I'll second that!

 

[GnrlPatton]

Good job Kevin. FrankW has been a life saver many, many, many times! JC

I agree! He was the one that pointed me to the impellers and oil that was potentially causing my white steam exhaust and sootiness on the transom. Having just pulled both impellers, the starboard one was in great condition, the port one missing about half the vanes, and that was the motor that was throwing the white exhaust. I pulled the heat exchanger cap off as well and found a few pieces of them in there. I haven't run it up to speed yet to test it, but given the state of the impeller I'm expecting that to be resolved. I also did the oil change, replacing it with CAT SAEO, so hopefully the previous owner didn't use that and it will explain the soot. Happy camper here so far, thanks to Frank!

 

[JVM225]

I learned a ton of invaluable info about my boat from a telephone conversation with Frank just before the survey and sea trial. After talking to him I had a long list of questions to ask and things to look for during the purchase process.
This is the first time in my life I've ever owned anything diesel powered and he talked me through it. I'm still learning a great deal about my boat and it's motors by reading his posts.

 

[endless seas]

Yes he is a LIFE SAVER! Through the years I can't tell you how many times he has offered his time.