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Mercury 90 HP Water Pump Impeller Replacement

A worn impeller on your 90 hp Mercury 90 HP starves the engine of cooling water and can overheat it in minutes. Below is the exact water-pump kit that fits this engine, a step-by-step video, and the parts you need to do the job yourself.

✓ Recommended for the Mercury 90 HP
12043 — Impeller Kit

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✓ Fitment cross-referenced from OEM catalogs · ✓ Step-by-step video above · ✓ Fast Amazon shipping & easy returns — verify your model code before ordering

Watch: how to replace it (step by step)

How to Replace Impeller – Mercury 90TWO-STROKEOUTBOARD

changing the water pump on a 90hp mercury 2 stroke

Tools Needed

  • 15 mm ratcheting wrench
  • 10 mm flathead screwdriver or small pry bar
  • Sand mallet or rubber mallet

Safety

  • Ensure the engine is cool before starting work.
  • Be cautious when using tools to avoid damaging the gear case.

Steps

  1. Locate the five 15 mm bolts and two nuts on the lower unit of the 1997 90 horsepower Mercury two-stroke outboard motor.
  2. Remove the five 15 mm bolts and two nuts using a 15 mm ratcheting wrench.
  3. Lightly tap the lower unit with a sand mallet or rubber mallet to separate it from the motor.
  4. If the lower unit is stuck, use a flathead screwdriver or small pry bar to lightly pry it down.
  5. Remove the four 10 mm bolts and the grommet from the gear case using a 10 mm flathead screwdriver or small pry bar.
  6. Clean the housing to ensure it is free of debris before reassembly.
  7. Install the wear plate base gasket, wear plate housing gasket, and the new impeller, ensuring the keyway is aligned.
  8. Grease the impeller blades to prevent damage during the first start.
  9. Install the impeller into the housing and turn it clockwise to set it in place.
  10. Grease the drive shaft and shift shaft to prevent future issues.
  11. Reassemble the gear case and secure it with the cleaned bolts.
  12. Trim the motor down and start it up to ensure proper functioning.

Tips

  • Greasing the impeller blades helps prevent damage during the first start.
  • Ensure the gear case is well-greased to prevent future issues.

Which part do I need for my Mercury 90 HP?

For most 90 HP owners the part above (12043) is the right choice. Price tip: the aftermarket numbers are usually noticeably cheaper than the OEM-branded box — it is the same physical part. If you need an exact match, these compatible part numbers also fit:

Show all compatible part numbers (32)
Part number Description
12094 Impeller Kit Find on Amazon →
12161 Water Pump Service Kit Find on Amazon →
12280 Impeller Kit Find on Amazon →
12290 Impeller Kit Find on Amazon →
12409 Water Pump Upper Housing Find on Amazon →
12410 Water Pump Upper Housing Find on Amazon →
18-1346 For: 3.5-9.8 HP & Mercruiser, For: 75-125 3 & 4 cyl. belt driven water pump Find on Amazon →
18-3017 Impeller / water-pump component Find on Amazon →
18-3056 Impeller / water-pump component Find on Amazon →
18-3114 Sierra 18-3114 Find on Amazon →
18-3116 3.780", 3.175", 3", 2.5" Find on Amazon →
18-3117 Sierra 18-3117 Find on Amazon →
18-3122 (Part of 18-3116 Housing) For: Alpha I – Generation 2 (Part of 18-3116 Housing) For: #1 Units thru S/N D494568 S/N D494569 & Above Find on Amazon →
18-3214 Impeller for Honda BF75A Find on Amazon →
18-3217 Sierra 18-3217 Find on Amazon →
18-3414 Sierra 18-3414 Find on Amazon →
18-3517 Sierra 18-3517 Find on Amazon →
18697 Water Pump Service Kit Find on Amazon →
30-43011 Mercury OEM 30-43011 (replaces Sierra 18-1346) Find on Amazon →
30-43011T Mercury OEM 30-43011T (replaces Sierra 18-1346) Find on Amazon →
324351 Mercury OEM 324351 (replaces Sierra 18-3117) Find on Amazon →
43024 Mercury OEM 43024A7 (replaces Sierra 18-3214) Find on Amazon →
478M0100526 Mercury OEM 478M0100526 (replaces Sierra 18-3214) Find on Amazon →
48752 Mercury OEM 48752T (replaces Sierra 18-3114) Find on Amazon →
817276 Mercury OEM 8172761 (replaces Sierra 18-3122) Find on Amazon →
89630 Water Pump Upper Housing Find on Amazon →
89840 Water Pump Upper Housing Find on Amazon →
8M0100526 Mercury OEM 8M0100526 (replaces Sierra 18-3214) Find on Amazon →
8M0204677 Mercury OEM 8M0204677 (replaces Sierra 18-3117) Find on Amazon →
8M0204709 Mercury OEM 8M0204709 (replaces Sierra 18-3122) Find on Amazon →
96146 Mercury OEM 96146A5 (replaces Sierra 18-3414) Find on Amazon →
96148 Mercury OEM 96148T1 (replaces Sierra 18-3116) Find on Amazon →

Many of these are the same physical part under different brand numbers. Confirm against your engine plate before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What water pump impeller fits a Mercury 90 HP (90 hp)?

The Mercury 90 HP uses the impeller sold as 12043, plus its OEM and aftermarket cross-references (32 compatible numbers are listed above). Confirm the number against your engine's model code and year plate before ordering.

How often should I replace the impeller on a Mercury 90 HP?

Replace the water pump impeller every 1-3 years or roughly every 200-300 running hours, whichever comes first — and sooner if you run in silty, sandy or shallow water.

What are the symptoms of a failing impeller on a Mercury 90 HP?

A weak or missing telltale stream, engine temperature climbing above normal, or an overheat alarm are the classic warning signs. A worn impeller can overheat and damage the engine within minutes, so don't delay the job.

Do I need the full water pump kit or just the impeller?

For the 90 HP, fit the complete kit. The seals, O-rings, gasket and wear plate age alongside the impeller, and replacing them together is the reliable, do-it-once job.

How long does a water pump job take on a Mercury 90 HP?

For a competent DIYer it's typically a 1-2 hour job of medium difficulty. The step-by-step video above covers every step.

Ready to fix it?
Get the 12043 water pump kit for your Mercury 90 HP.

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As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are shown at checkout. This guide is for reference; always follow the engine manufacturer’s service manual.