Outboard water pumps

[Blue_Runner]

I've changed the impeller on 3 different Johnson/Evinrude motors. It isn't all that easy. My 1975 70hp was the easiest, followed by my 1986 60hp and finally the 140hp Johnson was the beast.

With the 140 I didn't have any trouble at all.....until I went to put the lower unit back on. Was trying to go it alone. Then tried with a friend. Then 2 friends. Then I took it to the shop and paid 70 bucks for them to put it back on! The 2 hard parts were disconnecting and reconnecting the shift linkage (not much hand room) and lining things up to get the lower unit back on (lower unit gets heavy - esp. if you leave the prop on like me).

But, my opinion is that if you are strictly a saltwater boater you should change it every season. If you do half and half salt and fresh you can get by for 2 seasons. Its great insurance!! If you ever buy a used motor, that's one of the first things you should do before taking it out on the water.

My brother-in-law has a Suzuki outboard that needs an impeller. I'm not sure how to tear into a Suzuki yet? Anybody know if its about the same as Johnson as far as the removal of the lower unit goes?

Thanks,
Blue