Impellers for raw water pumps — annual replacement part
In the Impellers for Pumps product group you will find impellers for cooling water pumps for several engine models: Johnson Pump models F4, F5, F7 and F35 (including part numbers 09-1027B-1, 09-1028BT-1, 09-810B-1, 09-808B-1), Sole Diesel's Mini model impeller and Orbitrade's Volvo Penta compatible impeller. The impeller is a critical wearing part of the engine's raw water cooling system, which circulates seawater or lake water to cool the engine during operation.
The rubber impeller inevitably wears out with use, and especially dry running — the pump rotating without water, for example due to a clogged suction valve — can destroy the impeller blades in minutes and cause the motor to overheat quickly. For this reason, it is recommended to replace the impeller proactively once a year or according to the number of operating hours stated by the manufacturer, not only when the problem already occurs.
Selecting the correct impeller requires accurate pump model identification — Johnson Pump models (F4, F5, F7, F35) are not interchangeable, and Sole Diesel and Orbitrade models are designed specifically for pumps from the respective engine manufacturers. Check the pump nameplate or your engine manual for the correct model before ordering.
Always carry a spare impeller with you on longer trips — it's a small and inexpensive part, but failing it far from service can prevent the entire engine from operating due to the risk of overheating until a new part can be replaced.
The pump housing is typically located in an easily accessible location on the bottom of the engine, and replacement is usually accomplished with basic hand tools — removing the pump cover, pulling out the old impeller, and installing the new one in the same orientation. Lightly lubricate the new impeller with mounting grease before installing, as dry installation can damage the blades on the first few rotations before the water circulation can start and naturally lubricate the impeller.
The pump housing is typically located in an easily accessible location on the bottom of the engine, and replacement can usually be accomplished with basic hand tools — removing the pump cover, pulling out the old impeller, and installing the new one in the same orientation. Lightly lubricate the new impeller with assembly grease before installing it, as dry installation can damage the blades during the first few rotations before the water circulation starts to naturally lubricate the impeller. Also check the condition of the hoses and fasteners around the pump when replacing the impeller, as it is a good idea to go through the entire cooling system at the same time as performing maintenance.