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Impeller issue?

Newboat04

New member
This year, my wife and I bought a 1997 Bayliner Capri. It has the Mercruiser 4.3LXGen+ engine with Thunderbolt ignition. The engine has always operated beautifully. Recently, we were on the lake with my parents and my dad was driving. I wasn't paying attention and he drove through a shallow area of the lake with the prop trimmed all the way down. I noticed a strange sound in the engine and then realized where we were. I took over and we got out of there. However, it seemed like the engine was working harder and it sounded louder and different.

There was no increase in engine temperature, however, we were just finishing up our day anyway and left the lake shortly after. Out of the water, I checked and there were no plants stuck around the prop, so I was thinking it must have sucked up sand/dirt/debris into the impeller. Possibly needs an impeller change? Am I along the right track? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Also, I was looking online and can't find anywhere that tells me exactly what to get to replace the impeller.

One more question. Definitely a noob here. I think the Alpha, or Bravo mercruiser monikers relate to the prop? If not, what do they relate to?
 
However, it seemed like the engine was working harder and it sounded louder and different.
Did it run aground? What did the prop look like?
Possibly needs an impeller change?
Every 2-3 years...if you just got it I would do it for PM since you dn't know when it was last changed.
I think the Alpha, or Bravo mercruiser monikers relate to the prop?
Huh? They are different Mercruiser outdrives. There are Alpha Generation I and Generation II. Then there are the Bravo outdrives...alot beefier.
 
It did not run aground. The prop looks just fine.

It does make sense to me to replace the impeller for PM too. What exactly should I buy? do they have a kit, just the impeller, how do i know which impeller to buy? I've never worked on a boat before. I do a fair amount of car repairs myself though. Also, when I replace it, what should I be looking for?

Also, can someone help me identify what kind of out drive I have? Thank you.
 
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