As a general rule of thumb, the water pump impeller should be replaced every other season. A water pump repair kit is available for almost all outboard models. For steps requiring lubrication use BRP Triple-Guard Marine Grease or Mercury 2-4-C Marine Lubricant.

Step 1.) Remove the Lower Unit:

1)      Shift your motor into reverse gear

2)      Remove the bolts that attach the lower unit to the midsection

3)      Disconnect the shift rod

* Not all shift rods disconnect in the same way. Some disconnect up by the powerhead, some disconnect below the swivel bracket, and some disconnect above the gearcase.

4)      Remove the lower unit

Step 2.) Remove the Water Pump:

1)      Remove the bolts on the water pump housing

2)      Remove the water pump housing and impeller from gearcase

3)      Also remove the wear plate and gaskets from the gearcase

Step 3.) Install New Water Pump:

1)      Install new water pump wear plate and gaskets on gearcase

2)      Lubricate impeller cup, keyway, and driveshaft

3)      Install impeller so that it lines up with impeller key

4)      Install water pump housing

* Turn driveshaft as you place the housing on top of the impeller

* Turn driveshaft clockwise for standard (right-hand) rotation models

5)      Tighten housing bolts in crisscross pattern to assure proper gasket sealing

6)      Place new water tube seal in water pump housing

Step 4.) Install the lower unit:

1)      Line up driveshaft, water tube, and shift rod while installing lower unit

2)      Lubricate and install bolts that attach lower unit to the midsection

* You may need to connect shift rod before bolting up lower unit

3)      Run motor with flusher to make sure the tell tale stream is constant