Removing the impeller from a 7.3 Powerstroke water pump can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and technique, it can be done easily and efficiently. The impeller is a crucial component of the water pump, responsible for circulating coolant through the engine to prevent overheating. Over time, the impeller may become damaged or worn, causing a decrease in performance and potential engine damage. In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove the impeller from a 7.3 Powerstroke water pump using straightforward steps and clear instructions. So, let’s get started and ensure your engine is running at its best!
Step 1: Drain the Coolant
To begin, you’ll need to locate the drain plug. It’s usually on top of the radiator and can be identified by its hexagonal shape. Once you’ve found it, use an Allen wrench or socket wrench to loosen it until it comes off completely. Once you’ve removed your drain plug, pour out all of the coolant from your engine block into a bucket or other container for proper disposal later (you don’t want to just dump this stuff down any old drain!).
Step 2: Disconnect the Hoses
To remove the impeller from a 7.3 Powerstroke water pump, you’ll need to disconnect it from its hoses. The first step is to locate where your hoses connect to the water pump and then disconnect them by hand. Once they’re disconnected, set both ends aside so that they don’t get lost or damaged while working on other parts of your engine.
The next step is removing all four bolts holding down your old impeller (you may need an impact gun for this). After removing each bolt, place it in a safe place so that you don’t lose track of what goes where when reassembling everything later on!
Step 3: Remove the Water Pump
To remove the water pump, you will need to remove the bolts holding it in place. There are two on each side of your engine block and one on top of your flywheel. Once all three have been removed, carefully lift out your old water pump and set aside for replacement later.
Check out our guide on the best water pumps for 7.3 Powerstroke.
Step 4: Remove the Impeller
To remove the impeller, you will need to unscrew the bolts holding it in place. Be careful not to drop any of these parts into your engine bay as they can be difficult to retrieve. Once all of the bolts have been removed and you’ve set them aside, carefully lift out the impeller and set it aside (make sure there is no oil on your hands).
Step 5: Reassemble the Water Pump
You’re almost done! Now that you’ve removed the impeller and cleaned it, it’s time to put everything back together.
- Replace the impeller: First, replace your old impeller on top of the shaft of your water pump. Make sure you line up all three holes in order for it to fit correctly. You may need something small like a screwdriver or pen cap as leverage to get it started into place if they’re tight at first.
- Reattach hoses: Next, reattach your hoses by sliding them over their respective fittings on both sides of where they were connected before (one goes on each side). Then tighten down with pliers until snug but not too tight so as not to damage anything else inside there.
See our guide on how best to rebuild your 7.3 Powerstroke water pump.
Step 6: Refill the Coolant
Now that you have removed the impeller, it’s time to refill the coolant. Start by filling up your reservoir with new coolant and then start up your engine. Let it run for a few minutes to let all of the air out of your system and check for any coolant leaks in case there was some left behind when you took apart your pump.
Step 7: Test the Impeller
In this step, you will test the impeller for signs of wear and ensure that it is spinning properly.
- To do this, first remove the old seal from your new water pump by taking off its backing plate and pulling out any old gaskets or seals.
- Then place a new one on top of your new pump housing before installing it back into place with bolts and washers.
- Now take off your old impeller cover plate by removing two screws at each end of it. This will allow access to where we can test our new impeller against an old one if necessary!
Conclusion
The impeller is the part of your 7.3 Powerstroke water pump. It spins and moves water through your engine to optimize performance. If you notice damage or a leak in your cooling system, be sure to spend the time to replace it. You can follow our clear and steps and get your water running in no time!
