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.
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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
- Locate the five 15 mm bolts and two nuts on the lower unit of the 1997 90 horsepower Mercury two-stroke outboard motor.
- Remove the five 15 mm bolts and two nuts using a 15 mm ratcheting wrench.
- Lightly tap the lower unit with a sand mallet or rubber mallet to separate it from the motor.
- If the lower unit is stuck, use a flathead screwdriver or small pry bar to lightly pry it down.
- Remove the four 10 mm bolts and the grommet from the gear case using a 10 mm flathead screwdriver or small pry bar.
- Clean the housing to ensure it is free of debris before reassembly.
- Install the wear plate base gasket, wear plate housing gasket, and the new impeller, ensuring the keyway is aligned.
- Grease the impeller blades to prevent damage during the first start.
- Install the impeller into the housing and turn it clockwise to set it in place.
- Grease the drive shaft and shift shaft to prevent future issues.
- Reassemble the gear case and secure it with the cleaned bolts.
- 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.
Related guides
- Mercury 60 HP water pump / impeller
- Mercury 70 HP water pump / impeller
- Mercury 115 HP water pump / impeller
- Mercury 75 HP water pump / impeller
- All Mercury water pump guides
- Free Mercury boat valuation
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