Impeller Boot- how important?

[backslash99]

I just finished a wear ring replacement and light rehab of impeller project on a new (to me) '96 Challenger... but discovered the impeller boot and ring as I was putting everything away.
Clearly they didn't design that part for fun, but how neccessary is this part? and is there anyway of placing it without removing the pump again? Also, is it something that could be gone without in the short-term?
Thanks!

 

[LouDoo]

You're probably O.K. for the weekend without it, the boot is what holds the grease where the drive shaft goes into the impeller. So eventually the water will wash out the grease and the drive shaft will rust. You will need to remove the pump to replace it.

Lou

 

[backslash99]

Thanks Lou- I think I'm probably going to hold off until after the 4th.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... Lou is right. Go have fun... but don't forget to put it back in. Also, without the cone... you may have some cavitation.

 

[DWLong]

I have this same problem. Impeller boot and ring are gone on my 95 XP. My question is would this be alright to run on a week long trip? Prob will get about 2 to 3 hours a day put on it and will be left in the water... Not sure I could get it repaired by the 15th. But if crucial, guess I'll have to try! What will it tear up if not fixed before my trip?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[LouDoo]

For that long I would replace it. It's not that big of a job, if you've never taken the pump off before, maybe one hour to take off, 1/2 hour to put back on. Since you don't have a reverse gate maybe even less.

When you re-install the pump use a new neoprene washer.

Lou

 

[DWLong]

Thanks Lou, I'll get right on it... Couple/few questions though...

Will I need to pull the impeller to change the boot and ring? I believe/think the wear ring and barings are OK, but I will check that in the process...

Will I need the special housing removal tool to remove the housing, or will I be able to get it off without it?

Also, what do you guys think of the anti-rattle cone kits for these old (95) XP's... Are they worth looking into?

Thanks again!
Dave

 

[LouDoo]

No you won't need to pull the impeller. No you won't need a special puller, the pump should just pull off. I installed an anti-rattle on my GTI, couldn't really tell much difference.

You will need a new neoprene washer, and a new O ring if you change the pump oil (optional).

Lou

 

[DWLong]

Thanks for the info! Done this Thursday evening and it was a snap! All set for my trip... Think I'm gonna rebuild pump summers end. Everything looked remakably well considering age of ski! But I seldom have had anything caught it pump. There were two small gouges in wear ring, but it still pulls good. Are the bearings hard to "press" on/off. Will I need anything special there? I know I will need prop tool.

Oh, I didn't need the neoprene washer. My ski has a pump extention between the hull and pump. I ordered one (before starting) and they messed up and sent me 5 of them. lol Now I have 5 I will likely never use. lol

Thanks for letting me know it was an easy job! Would have put it off otherwise.

 

[100guard]

Good to know!