Impeller
While winterizing the motors in the fall, I noticed that the starboard 454 motor was not picking up antifreeze from my bucket. So, I figured it needed a new impeller (and indeed, it did need it)
I went to West Marine and picked up an impeller replacement kit (part number 18-3309D).
Removal
OK, 3 hours later, I've managed to remove the impeller from the starboard engine. What a job? If it had been the port engine, then the job would have been a lot easier, but of course it was starboard. Fortunately, I had my 12 year son with me. Fortune because it is tight in there and his thin, lithe, yet strong body could fit in spots that were murder for me.
Notice that we alsoremoved the mounting arm; it just was easier for us to do so.
Disassembly
Loosen several bolts and clean off the old gasgets.
Busted Fins
In this picture, I've placed the new impeller in its housing. You can also see the 5 bolts that hold the assembly together. Also, just above and to the left of the impeller housing, you can see the shards of my old impeller. Many SOPs go on and on about being sure to get every piece of the old impeller, even going so far as to further disassemble the motor. But after 3 hours of struggle just to get the impeller out, I was too ragged to do even more work.
Reassembly
So, reassembly is the easy work. Just replace gaskets, insert impeller, put the whole thing back together and tighten the bolts.
Reinstalling
You can guess: If it's a bitch taking it out, it's just as much fun putting it back. Took me 2 hours of struggle. Here's a tip: The bolts used to attach the impeller assembly to the engine, well, one of them is just too long. There is just not enough room between the bolt-hole and the fan belt pully. So, I went to the hardware store, bolts in hand, and bought 1/4" shorter bolts.
2 of the 3 original bolts work just fine. But one bolt is just too long, so I used the hardware store shorter version. You'll see which one it is when you're in there. I get the shorter version saved me at least one more hour of stuggle.