1996 Mercury 4 cyl Impeller question.

[sdanville]

I get a good stream of water when the motor is down ...but often need to run often in shallow water and the stream stops when near idle and tilted. ( long shaft )
Is this the nature of these motors or is it impeller replacement time.
I do not know when it was replaced last.
Low hours.
I run it only 10 hours a year.
I read some suggest the impellor should be replaced every year..seems like over kill to me as little as I run it.

Note: ran my honda 10 HP 15 years on the origional impeller. I did change fluids every year.

[SalmonBum]

Not only does "normal usage" kill an impeller, but just sitting is just as bad, If not worse. The fins will take a set and not seal well to the housing. I do mine every yr on my St Clair boat (shallow) and every other on my Big Water boat. Them Alpha's are easy enought to do. 1.5 to two beers.

[sdanville]

Thank you. I will search around for instructions.
I might have to replace it 6 or 7 times this Spring ( all in one sitting )
Dont like to drink beers in single digits.

[double trouble]

you will wreck your motor running like you are. Just replace it .it should pee strong under all conditions unless the intake is not getting enough water. that could be the case and you are still damaging it running it like that. i think changing an impeller every 3-5 years if you are careful and not running in mud would be o.k.
If you run a motor dry ,even for a few seconds it will damage the impeller. I try to run mine with a full stream on muffs or in the water for either winterizing or spring start up. that impeller is rubber and can get torn up fast. i am not trying to scare you , just trying to save you from damage to the powerhead.

[sdanville]

Thanks for the reply.

For the record, the motor has an over heat alarm and a low oil alarm..
Never ran it more than a few seconds without the stream, never enough to trigger the over heating alarm.

I will replace it this Spring.