Impeller lubricant?

I'm installing new impellers in Sherwood sea water pumps of both my CC boats. In the past, I've used vaseline as a lubricant. A "how to" MerCruiser video recommends wheel bearing grease and, I've seen dish washer detergent recommended. Anyone have a better idea?
Thanks,
-=Grant=-

I have used water when I had to replace one while I was out and have also used a little Dawn when I have done them at home.

Pete, how do remember that, you haven't changed one in 14 years.

Spit on it

I received this note in my inbox, but don't find it here:
Forum: Common Questions
Topic: Impeller lubricant?
Posted By: Donald80SN

I also do not use anything, but be careful using Sherwood impellers. About five years ago, one of out CCFANers installed a new Sherwood impeller at the St. John's River Run and his boat ran hot all weekend. It was not until Art C. pulled out a OEM impeller did his overheating issues go away. The impellers did not look any different to the naked eye, but they were indeed different size (Tolerance) and it was enough to have this guy chase his tail for many hours instead of enjoying the river with the other folks. I only use PCM impellers in my PCM engine.
JMO,
Donald
*****************************
Anyway, I find this of great interest because 1) both my CC boats were purchased used, yet both have Sherwood pumps -- and I assumed they were original equipment. Do you suspect they are not? and, 2) we intend to take the newly acquired '77 on the St. John's Cruise and I was replacing the impeller in an attempt to avoid the problems Donald described above.

Donald was wrong in his post referenced above. I believe Marty had an issue with a non-original impeller made/branded by Sierra. Sherwood is the factory pump and impeller manufacturer. PCM rebrands the Sherwood and is also a safe bet.

I have never used lubricant when installing an impeller and always get long life out of them. Spit or a little bit of water might make install a little easier but dry is fine too.

Correct on the Sierra.

I have been waiting on Quinners recommendation on this question

I once tried a Sierra impeller, it didn't even make an entire season.
They are much softer and have sort of a grainy feel. Sierra point sets are also junk.

I always use either vaseline or binding slime (dish soap) for installing impellers.   Wheel bearing grease could clog-up your trans cooler.

I've installed the last 2 of mine dry as well. Didn't see any need for lube as they went in very easily. Maybe my pump is a whore and not as tight as lower hour pumps.

JoeinNY wrote: Truthfull ky would be a good lubricant, so would binding slime. While no lubricant is really needed sometimes people get excited and dry start thier boats on the trailer and a little lube doesn't hurt. On the less self inflicted side if you have a slight air leak or blockage and the system doesn't prime right away having lubed the impeller will keep you from smoking it before you figure out the source of your troubles. Anything that doesnt soften the rubber certainly wont due more harm than good.

That sounds good. I use Vaseline.

I worked for a rubber company for 10 years 1980 to 1990, any petroleum based product will help rot the rubber. Personally I want the new impeller to last so I don't use petroleum based product on the rubber impeller.
Putting them in dry is a lot of extra effort for no gain.
I use Dawn dish soap in a strong mix with water. Makes it slippery for install with no danger to any parts or the rubber impeller blades.
I also laughed at the SPIT comment but it would work well if you work fast. The soap will evaporate slower and give you more time to get the impeller installed. I imagine any dish soap would work but I have Dawn on hand so that is what I use. My Slime in the boat for getting feet into tight ski boots is the same mix, helps with the install with no aging of the ski boots.

The one on the left is not oem. The oem one on the right has the ridges on the edge. The run dry ones are made of some sort of plastic material which if were any good I'm sure Sherwood would use.

MrMcD wrote: I worked for a rubber company for 10 years 1980 to 1990, any petroleum based product will help rot the rubber.

MrMcD, how about ski bindings and drysuit seals, also rubber based in many cases, what would be the ideal lube solution for those?? I was under the impression dishwashing liquid was bad for rubber and the best/safest solution for binding lube is laundry detergent mixed 1:3 with water?? Obviously now I am wondering if the dawn being bad was mis-information?? And if the laundry detergent is a safe alternative??
Thanks

Here's one where we waited a bit too long: