Mercury 60 HP Water Pump Impeller Replacement

Tools Needed

• Screwdriver with a large flat tip/blade head
• 16 mm wrench
• 16 mm socket and ratchet
• Penetrating oil (PB Blaster)
• Marine grease
• Gear oil and a pump
• Catch can
• 10 mm socket
• Extension bar
• Sawhorses and 2×4 lumber
• Rope

Safety

• Support the lower unit with a stand or makeshift setup to prevent it from falling or sliding out when the mounting bolts are removed.
• Be careful with the propeller to avoid injury.

Steps

1. Trim the motor all the way down until it is vertical.
2. Remove the vent plug and set it aside with its seal.
3. Remove the fill plug and set it aside.
4. Drain the gear oil into a catch can using the drain hole.
5. Trim the motor up slightly to a position where all bolts are easily accessible.
6. Loosen the two bolts on each side of the lower unit.
7. Remove the bottom bolt that is under the most pressure.
8. Remove the two hand-tight bolts on the opposite side.
9. Use the 16 mm socket and extension to remove the 15 mm nut holding the lower unit.
10. Support the lower unit on a makeshift stand using sawhorses, lumber, and rope.
11. Remove the lower unit from the motor.
12. Locate and remove the small sleeve that fell out.
13. Loosen the four 10 mm bolts holding the impeller cover.
14. Remove the impeller cover and the base plate.
15. Remove the old impeller and the old seal.

General Advice

• Wear eye protection throughout the procedure to guard against debris and oil.
• Allow the engine to cool completely before starting work.
• Label all removed parts and hardware as you go to ensure correct reassembly.
• Torque all bolts to the manufacturer's specifications once the assembly is complete.

Tips

• Check your motor's serial number to ensure you order the correct impeller kit.
• Use penetrating oil if the 10 mm bolts are seized or difficult to turn.
• Ensure the impeller blades are bending in the clockwise direction.
• Change your lower unit gear oil at the same time you replace the impeller.