Changing Impeller Cummins 6BTA5.9

[Frank Ketcham]

I have found it incredibly difficult to replace the impeller on my twin Cummins 6BTA 5.9s. Even with the impeller tool and liquid soap the job is a bear. My inclination is to remove the unit itself, take it to a workbench to install the impeller and then Re-install the unit. Am I missing something or is this just a difficult job? Any tips or tricks  would be appreciated.

Topic

[Richard Dodson]

This is the tool

 

[Richard Dodson]

Impeller tool

Have u looked at impellertool.com coat it with silicone grease and it works like a champ

[Craig Menzel]

I used synthetic grease (on impeller and housing) and applied wire ties to compress impeller blades.  Once you get the impeller inserted up to the wire tie, you can cut it free with some snips.  I also bought a bolt whose threads are just off from the impeller’s (I believe 3/4”-10 x 1-1/2” w/ flanged head).  I thread it into impeller a couple of turns and it binds.  From there, you can put a socket wrench on the bolt head and push/tap while rotating.  

You then need to align the key ways on the shaft and impeller to insert the key.  That is always tricky for me, especially on the port engine.  To help with this I bought the three items in the image from McMaster-Carr.  I trimmed the key to length and put the it in the key way and extended it about 1/4” past one of the shaft ends.  The clamping shaft collar holds it all together.  Could be welded…. You can use this “tool” once the impeller is inserted to rotate it to align key ways (see photo)  The theory with the key extending past the end of the tool shaft is that it should help you find the pump shaft key way while rotating blind.  It takes some trial and error for sure.  <br /><br />One other note, temporarily removing the fuel cooler hose on my 370B’s from the pump elbow gives some additional working space for the impeller removal and installation. With the fuel lines still attached it kind of hangs loosely in place.   

 

[Frank Ketcham]

Re Install is A Bear

I have trouble with the re-install. Almost seems I have too large an impeller.

[Rob Schepis]

R&R of the pump is not so fun either. What part of the process specifically are you struggling with?

[Richard Dodson]

Google impellertool.com.  This is a great installation tool. Takes 5 minutes. As far as removal, depends on the impeller. I just did one for a friend. No puller or threads. I closed the sea cock, removed the end plate, coated silicone grease with a popsicle inside, in between the vanes. Then press the starter and bump the engine a few times, one more coat of grease and bump the engine again. If it starts, just shut it down. After that a couple of good quality pliers and start pulling. Took me about 20 minutes to remove it. 

[David]

If the problem in inserting the impeller back into the pump, I use zip ties to compress the blades along with a little soap.  Never had an issue removing an impeller using SB’s tool.  

[Author]

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