Alpha Lower-Impeller

[Spaz05]

I have an older '89 senator with an Alpha drive unit that has been very well stored for the life of the boat. I am wanting to know how often these have to been replaced in the lower unit, as a friends went out on the lake this past weekend and I had to tow him back to the docks.

Once we dove into the problem we found pieces of rubber throughout his hoses. I am just afraid if my goes it will reach the motor and cause a bigger problem than just an impeller.

Any insight from the experts.

 

[JW]

That's why most recommend every two years or so many hours, because you don't know until you've got the LU removed and the pump housing lifted. Might as well change it at that point. My 7.5 went four years then all the vanes came off when I pulled the rope this spring. Took me some time fishing the vanes out of the motor . I went several years on the Honda, decided to change it for GP's and there wasn't anything wrong with it. But I was already there, so replaced it.

 

[MissBehavin]

Mercury recommends 3 years or 300 hours (which ever comes first). Most are usually in pretty good shape at that interval, unless already having an issue with reduced flow or overheating