Is my Impeller ok?

[CapPugwash]

Hello matey forum peeps.

Got an issue on my inboard Mastervolt Whisper generator (not on my barge, not my Saling boat ). The water flow is heavily restricted and I suspect that the heat exchanger is clogged up with calcium but am checking the easy stuff first. The impeller was changed during a service a few months ago so should be fine. However, I find one blade is facing the opposite way to the others. Is this OK? The internet indicates it may be fine but you know the internet.

Should I bend it back? Water flow is from the bottom.

 

[Martin_J]

It's likely just gone like that as the shaft rolled partially back after stopping..

There's enough space in the wider part of the pump housing for them to orientate correctly when the engine is running.

 

[CapPugwash]

Thank you

 

[ridgy]

Looks like the rubber is becoming detached? I'd have to change it.

 

[CapPugwash]

I think that's just a shadow from my torch

 

[Keith-i]

Mine does exactly the same and I also put it down to slight recoil in the engine when it is stopped.

 

[Plum]

Hello matey forum peeps.

Got an issue on my inboard Mastervolt Whisper generator (not on my barge, not my Saling boat ). The water flow is heavily restricted and I suspect that the heat exchanger is clogged up with calcium but am checking the easy stuff first. The impeller was changed during a service a few months ago so should be fine. However, I find one blade is facing the opposite way to the others. Is this OK? The internet indicates it may be fine but you know the internet.

Should I bend it back? Water flow is from the bottom.

View attachment 159791

Not unusual and will sort it's self out on start up.

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[lustyd]

Think I'd also want to push that hose on properly, square off the end, and fit a second jubilee clip

 

[scottie]

If a professional was asked they may well say to change

 

[penfold]

No visible wear, no cracking, no delamination from the hub; either leave it in place or change and retain as a spare. How much wear is there to the inside of the housing or the face plate? That can make a big difference.

 

[peter gibbs]

Thank you

What's the condition of the face plate? If deeply scored work off the ridges with wetted emery paper. Improves water circulation. There should also be a paper gaskit between plate and body, vaselined in place. A small rubber button sits in the centre to further contain water circulation....
Rubber vanes align in motion, no action required.

 

[snowbird30ds]

Is the pump above or below water line? If above a shaft seal leak can cause it to lose it's prime or suck air in reducing flow.
Does it dribble from behind when running?

 

[CapPugwash]

If a professional was asked they may well say to change

A professional changed it recently so I'm sure it's fine.

 

[CapPugwash]

What's the condition of the face plate? If deeply scored work off the ridges with wetted emery paper. Improves water circulation. There should also be a paper gaskit between plate and body, vaselined in place. A small rubber button sits in the centre to further contain water circulation....
Rubber vanes align in motion, no action required.

Paper gasket = yes
There is some wear on the plate too.

 

[CapPugwash]

Is the pump above or below water line? If above a shaft seal leak can cause it to lose it's prime or suck air in reducing flow.
Does it dribble from behind when running?

I believe it is below the water line, but I will check that.

Yes, water does dribble from behind the pump. I fancy that this is because there is a blockage, in the heat exchanger possibly, causing pressure to build. I plan to run a descaler fluid through it.

 

[penfold]

If it's leaking from the pump that's nothing to do with any blockage, the shaft seal has worn out.

 

[Stemar]

I believe it is below the water line, but I will check that.

Yes, water does dribble from behind the pump. I fancy that this is because there is a blockage, in the heat exchanger possibly, causing pressure to build. I plan to run a descaler fluid through it.

That means the pump needs have the seals and, probably the bearing replaced. Not a hard DIY job, but if you're paying someone to do it, it might make sense to fit a new pump, as the extra labour for refurbishing may well take you close to the cost of a new pump.