removal of exhaust drain plugs

Plugs on the exhaust manifolds can be removed with a 1/2" drive ratchet. Cover the carpet with a towel and have something to redirect the water (I use step flashing) as there will be some sediment and scale.

The circ pump is not the same thing as the raw water pump- the RWP is on the left (when facing the motor) and the circ pump is mounted on the motor directly above the crank. The impeller that the manual is referring to is in the raw water pump.

Its easy to remove the RWP- there are two 9/16" bolts holding it on. Remove them and take the pump out of the boat. The pump comes apart with three 7/16" bolts, and you can then remove the impeller. I store both the pump and impeller inside for the winter. There is a paper gasket in the RWP, but you can get several years out of it. If you need to replace it, SkiDIM sells it.

MUCH Thanks TRBenj. i feel like an azzz after thinkin about the exhaust manifolds. thanks for the quick response. goin to finish up now!!! its extermely nice having the insight on this board!!!

Riley wrote: I didn't know I knew anyone that actually did that. How many seasons do go between impellers? I store both the pump and impeller inside for the winter.

Since it only takes a min to take the pump off and take it apart, I figure its time well spent. It gets the last of the water out and keeps the impeller vanes from taking a set. I inspect it every year, but havent replaced the one in my '90 yet. I think my dad said he replaced the one in his '92 every 3 years or so- which left me with several new-looking spares.

Joel, this is the gasket that Im talking about. I believe it goes between the flat brass plate and the pump housing- I never really noticed it either until this year.

By the time you pull both hoses off and loosen the belts, it's almost off anyway, but I've never done it.

My 5.8 had its first impeller failer after 7 years. I replaced it again after 6 years as a precaution and found one torn vein. Probably every 2-3 years is a good idea.