Finding engine type for impeller

[mdk681]

Looking to replace my impeller and am going to attempt it on my own this season. I am trying to find what part to order but want to make sure I am getting the correct one. I know that I have the Merc 350 MAG MPI...

I attached a pic of the engine cover, it looks like the engine serial number fell off...

Any help would be appreciated. Boat is a 1999 21v Riders Edition

IMG_1847.jpg

[WakerideN]

the super quick answer is this.. call skidim and ask them... give them what you just posted and they will get you the right part... they know this **** inside and out.

http://www.skidim.com/contactus.asp

I live more west coast.. and they are so good this is the only place I buy from, they have always taken the time to help me.

[IDBoating]

x2 on SkiDim. They'll know off the top of their head based on the engine model and year. Tell them "Mercruiser MIE 350 MAG MPI SKI" and they'll know everything.

You might consider getting a couple of oil filters while you're at it. They'll have those too, and changing your oil is both important and easy.

Report back!

[mdk681]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I sent them an email and am waiting to hear back.

We have our boat transported (no trailer) and stored by a company who changes the oil and filter every season. Just did the v-drive and tranny last season. Attempting to tackle the impeller myself this season as opposed to paying around 200$ to have it done for me. Hope I'm not forgetting anything!!

[IDBoating]

Attempting to tackle the impeller myself this season as opposed to paying around 200$ to have it done for me.

OMG!!! $200?!? It's like $30 for the impeller and a few minutes with standard tools. You may need an extra pair of hands to get the engine belt back on, but otherwise this is a no-brainer. First time will take a bit longer as you won't be familiar with things, but from then on it will be a slam-dunk.

[mdk681]

OMG!!! $200?!? It's like $30 for the impeller and a few minutes with standard tools. You may need an extra pair of hands to get the engine belt back on, but otherwise this is a no-brainer. First time will take a bit longer as you won't be familiar with things, but from then on it will be a slam-dunk.

Right?! They are a great place for storage and winterizing, but some of these small jobs I wonder how they can charge so much and keep going. All the more reason to dig in to some of these projects myself!

[IDBoating]

The more maintenance you do yourself, the better you'll know your boat and (frankly) the better it will be maintained. You'll KNOW it was done, and done right. It's like hiring a babysitter... nobody cares more about your kids (or your boat) than YOU.

[mnpracing]

Mitch, if you need a hand once you get the impeller, let me know. I have an impeller puller and have done a few of these.

Mike

[mdk681]

Mitch, if you need a hand once you get the impeller, let me know. I have an impeller puller and have done a few of these.

Mike

Excellent, thanks Mike. If I get hung up I will defiantly let you know, it looks fairly straight forward though so hopefully I can figure it out and teach myself something new

[lee]

On an 1999 with a Merc, you will want to remove the complete impeller housing from the engine. Then take it apart and change the impeller. On the Merc you will not need a impeller removing tool.

[laserfish]

I replace mine every spring as preventative maintenance with fluid changes etc. Search the forums as a former member Dogbert put a very comprehensive step by step with pics up some time ago.

[mdk681]

Haven't been able to track down the thread written by Dogbert, but I did find the one written up by RZ Mike and posted by Matt Garcia in the How To section. Looks to be the same motor as mine and it is very well written and has pictures.

The guys at Skidim were also super helpful and got me squared away with the right impeller right away. Thanks for the suggestions guys. I love the information/people on this site!!!

[mdk681]

Well, I managed to get the impeller replaced last night. But after a 100$ run to Napa... When I was removing the impeller housing and wheel from the back side of my engine I bumped it up against the motor a little bit and one of the housing inlets shattered. I'm not sure if these things get brittle over time but it sure seemed weak. Luckily the Napa a couple blocks down had a full housing and impeller kit. Unfortunately I had to buy the entire kit which includes another impeller. Either way, it was fairly easy (minus my mistake) and I'm glad I tackled it. Here is a pic of the housing...

FullSizeRender.jpg

[IDBoating]

Whoa... it "shattered" due to a minor tap on the engine? That would worry me a lot. Frankly I think you're better off having replaced the entire housing. Since the other one is toast anyway, you might tap on the other fitting a bit and see if it, too, shatters as easily.

Glad this failure occurred on the trailer! A bummer if you bumped a hose while on the water and it broke away from the housing....

[mdk681]

Yeah the inside of the housing had some minor scoring on it as well so I am glad I replaced it. I was surprised at how little it took to crack the end. The boat sits on a lift full time so that's where I was doing the repair. But like you said, I think it's a blessing in disguise that I got it replaced before something much worse happened on the water! I will see how strong the other one that did not break is tonight... I'm curious as well