Changing impeller on Volvo D-4 260. Need help!

[Kenaithab]

Looking for advice on best way to change the impeller on our 2016 R29. Access is very awkward and direct visibility is limited. We took off the faceplate with the hose attached, got the impeller out and the new one in. But, we can't get the O-ring to stay in place while we slide the faceplate back over the pump. The O-ring almost seems too big and it falls out so easily.
How are others doing this? Removing the hose connection from the faceplate would help, I suppose, but the hose is incredibly stiff and again, access is very cramped.
Appreciate any advice.

 

[Connerkip]

I have used silicon based grease to hold the ring in place.

 

[baz]

Although Silicon grease is the preferred substance (and is normally packaged with the new impeller) to use as it does not degrade the impeller's material, I've found, as other have, that using Vaseline is much better for holding the O-ring in place while you mate up the face plate to the pump housing.

On my R-25 I tried in vain using the supplied Silicon grease and ended up having to use Vaseline.

It's important to have the O-ring properly seated in its groove otherwise if it is crimped when tightening the face plate to the pump housing there's a risk for raw water to leak/drip out which gets into the bilge and onto the engine causing rust to accumulate.

Always douse the engine area around the impeller pump housing with fresh water after replacing the impeller to wash away any residual salt water from the engine's exterior that can drip out of the impeller's housing during its replacement.

 

[HRowland]

The grease supplied with the new impeller is to lubricate the impeller vanes to make installation easier and to prevent vane damage from the dry housing on the first start after installation. As you have seen it is lousy to hold the O-ring since it is a slippery thin lube. Vaseline works very well to hold the O-ring in place. Even leaving the ring and groove dry would likely work better than the supplied lubricant!

Howard, veteran of two solo impeller changes on the 4BY2-180 on my R27.

 

[Brian B]

Ditto on what Howard wrote. Piece of cake on my Yanmar 150, getting to it is another story!