changing the waterpump impeller on a 496 Mag HO

[Rick]

Got a ZT-260 with a 496 Mag HO
Has anyone attempted this? The Seawater pump is kinda buried on the front of the engine at the bottom and the lower seat is right against it.... It seems like I have to pull out the whole interior to get at it better, that can't be the right option... I've ordered the Mercruiser manual but was wondering if anyone else has any suggestions or tricks...

[Rick]

Got a ZT-260 with a 496 Mag HO
Has anyone attempted this? The Seawater pump is kinda buried on the front of the engine at the bottom and the lower seat is right against it.... It seems like I have to pull out the whole interior to get at it better, that can't be the right option... I've ordered the Mercruiser manual but was wondering if anyone else has any suggestions or tricks...

[Chris E]

Hey Rick:

Look, if you can't get to the pump to change the impeller, then take the pump out of the boat. We do this with boats out on the lake in boathouses. Instead of bringing back the whole boat for a seawater pump - we bring back the pump. Change the impeller and reinstall it back on the lake. Just label your hoses for input/output. I think only a couple of bolts hold the pump on.