The number 1 reason a impeller fails is running the motor out of water, even for 30 seconds. It creates a great deal of heat and the rubber will fail making the blades weak and bend when the water is forced. The blades can look fine yet bend 50% when under stress.
The cup the blade truns in will also wear out at some point. You can replace the cup made of thin ss at the same time. I have about 300 hours on my motor and will replace again next spring. This will be the second time.
If you are in sand and in shallow water often and kick up the sand, you will wear the inpeller out at a much faster rate.
Breaking the bolts loose is something that should be done at least ever two seasons.
Dont for get the bolt under the rudder guide. I must replace that this year also due to the salt water I use the boat in.
I take no changes with the motor, many times I am in areas where there is no help for 25 miles. The Other number one item to fail in a outboard is the fuel, connections checked, o ring, clean fuel, and run seafoam in the gas the last tanks of the season.
Lower unit gear oil change each year, check for water or gray oil, water can get in it and freeze in winter time. Lower units can get hot an bust if the oil fials due to water.
Pack wheel bearings every two years, even with buddy bearings,
The rear seal will leak, this is caused by the buddy bearings when pumping them full of grease. If in salt water like me, this is a must so your trip is not runied on the way there. I travel 700 miles each trip
to the coast 5 times a year.
Take no chances and you will always have a trip of enjoyment instead of cussing frustration.
Mark
Mark
