IMPULSOR

Function and technical context

The impeller is the central element of the seawater cooling system in outboard and stationary marine engines: its flexible rubber vanes generate the necessary flow to extract seawater and propel it through the exchanger or cooling galleries of the engine block. It works inside the water pump located in the transmission leg or case, rotating at high speed with very tight tolerances relative to the casing. An impeller in poor condition drastically reduces the cooling flow rate, causing the engine to overheat and can cause irreversible damage to the cylinder head, gaskets or block in a matter of minutes.

When to replace this part?

The most common signs of a damaged impeller are the reduction or absence of the cooling water jet through the outlet spout (tell-tale), overheating indicated by the engine warning light or the temperature alarm light, and in advanced cases the appearance of rubber fragments in the water circuit. It is recommended to replace the impeller every 300-400 hours of navigation or at least every two seasons, regardless of its visual appearance, since the rubber vanes may present internal micro-cracks that are not visible. Changing the impeller preventively at each seasonal inspection is the most economical measure to avoid a serious breakdown at sea.

Engine Compatibility

Equivalent manufacturer part numbers