Jet Pump Maintenance

[IAMFORELK]

After this last weekend trying to fight the current and ripping river it became apparent that I might need to adjust my impeller to gain a little more zoom. So, can anyone tell me what the spec. clearance on my implellar should be? I was thinking .10 or so. Please advise.

[David Johnson]

I just have mine serviced at Stevens Marine.

[Bait O' Eggs]

When I bought my new sleeve they told me somewhere around 0.015 but then also said to get it as close as possible. When I was done the closest I could get it so it didnt rub somewhere on the rotation was in the 0.010 range.

[FishinMission]

"Iamforelk"...The boys at Stevens will tell you .010. I've found if you pull your pump and take it in yourself, you may be able to get the job done faster. I'd recommend going this route, if you're capable. Seems as tho they make service appointments based on parking spots available in their lot....usually one to two+ weeks out. Call them and ask if they can do it sooner if you just bring in the pump unit. I can't remember what they charged me last time, maybe $50??

[IAMFORELK]

FM,
As I understand it, the process isn't too technical and I'd bet a fishing trip I can handle the job. (Gulp)
I would probably have as much luck fixing this as I do fishing..... I better take it in. :wink:

[Thumper]

This is pretty easy as I recall. Pull the shoe, sharpen with a flat file (top side only), move a spacer and see if it fits.

[IAMFORELK]

David,
Did you have Steven's do this as a scheduled thing or did you notice sluggish performance from your motor???

[FishinMission]

IAFE....If you're mechanically inclined you might be able to do it.

But you'll need to get a plastic spacer from Steven's before you try.

You may (most likely) have to heat your impeller to get it off the shaft. There's a thin plastic sleeve that's between your impeller and the driveshaft. Heating it is the only way I know of getting it off the shaft, so you'll need a hot (Like... really hot) flame. I don't think a propane torch will do it...you will need something hotter.

I suppose you could try it, and if it doesn't work out out, have Steven's finish it for you. But hey...what the heck...if it works, you'll have the satisfaction of "accomplishment". If not...you tried....and Steven's would probably have it in and out for you in a day or two if you pull your pump.

Good luck if you try it....it will really make a difference in your performance if it's done correctly.

[Bait O' Eggs]

Fishin Mission is right you will probably have to heat the impellor to get it off. When I did mine, I used my cutting torch as a heat source. My aluminum impellor got hot pretty quick, and the plastic sleeve melted to nothing. Dont allow the shaft to get hot as it will swell and make the impellor tight and possibly ruin the seal above the impellor. My concern would be overheating and ruining the seal on the main shaft above the impellor.

It is not difficult except for getting the impellor loose from the shaft.

I found that I melted the plastic sleeve getting the impellor off (about $2) and the lining in the shoe the impellor runs against was shot (about $60) from wear. And all I was gonna do was sharpen the impellor when I started.

[IAMFORELK]

FM and BOE,
Thanks for the input. Regarding heating the shaft... do you think one of those torch kits they have for those diposible propane bottles will get the shaft hot enough to melt the plastic piece ??
And what is this lining thing you are refering to? Are you talking about the actual sleeve itself?
I need as much info as possible before Saturday... that is my planned day to do surgery on this pump...

[FishinMission]

IAFE...The plastic sleeve is between your impeller and the drive shaft. The lining BOE speaks of is the part that your impeller is shimmed against. You may wanna pull your pump apart and examine the lining for wear and grooves. If it's worn or grooved, you should replace it too....I think mine was about 50 bucks. Good to know beforehand if you need to replace it. Hope that helps.

BTW....I used one of them oxy-butane torch's to heat mine. Got it at Bi Mart for $29. Be careful tho...when your impeller drops that you don't damage it...and for sure...don't catch it with your bare hands. Leather gloves would be a good thing when doing this!!

Mark

[IAMFORELK]

Thanks Mark (FM)
Now I feel like I know just enough to be dangerous. However, surgery on this pump will be performed this weekend as the rivers are probably blown out anyway.
I'll let ya know how it comes out.
Thanks again FM and BOE for your advise.

-ND-