Sea Water Pumps

[Jay S]

Recently I have installed two brand new raw water pumps. Is it common practice to remove the impellers from the seawater pump housing during winter storage, or should they remain installed. I had been removing the impellers in my old pumps, and was wondering if I should continue.

Topic

[Francis Valerio]

The idea of removing the impeller over the winter has to do with the rubber possibly taking a “set”.  The part of the impeller that sits on the cam (Sherwood type) has the vanes seriously in a bent down position.  Sitting for a long period of time like that could lead to premature failure.

If I recall correctly Sherwood even mentions this in their manual. 

 

 

[Tony Athens]

You basically asked for an opinion———-I gave you mime.

But, with that said,  most people do not and most have no issues..

 

Tony

[John]

Tony,

What’s the reason you suggest removing the impellers for Winter storage.  I have your SMX pump installed, and I replace the impeller every 2 years.  Boating in New England, I put on about 160 hours a season.  When I remove the old impeller, it looks brand new.

[Tony Athens]

I would remove them.

 

Tony

[Author]

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