Impeller gives out then...smoke....

[GaiaOrion]

Hey guys, my impeller packed it in, then the engine blew black smoke out of the exhaust, I of course shut the engine off, replaced the impeller and was off and running again, the engine seems to be running O.K., my question is : Is it likely that the engine was damaged, if so , Are there any checks I could make to ensure the engine was not damaged, in need of further repairs?

cheers.

Mike.

[sawingknots]

i'm assuming you mean your water pump impeller,i doubt there will be any permanent damage,especially if the engines starts normally,just watch your oil level and water [milky] in the oil for a few days[hours] i've been through this a few times.you might consider installing a temp warning alarm

[sawingknots]

btw always let the engine cool down after overheating before restarting

[sailingdog]

Just curious, when was the last time you replaced the impeller, prior to the impeller self-destructing?

[GaiaOrion]

The impeller was the raw water. This is my first season with Wight SPirit, so I don't know the last time it was replaced. I did find it curious though that the spare looked as old as the boat (1979) but thought that this couldn't be, as the previous owner had a certified wrench puller do maintenance spring and fall on her.....
anyway,s I'll look for the water in the oil, and hope all is well. I'll also be looking for a missing blade (two had broken off and were in the housing, the third....AWOL.
Thanks,
Mike.

[sawingknots]

most likely the missing rubber was chewed up and expelled out the exhaust,btw theres no predicting how long impellers will last,but if the engines been sitting for a long time,i usually pour a little liquid soap down the discharge pipe,also i always apply a little on the new impeller when installing[just for lubrication until the water starts flowing.about a second running dry and its history