Changing Impellers on Cummins 6BTA 5.9 -Any Tricks?

[FSP]

I've taken off the caps and inspected the impellers and they are fine. Managed to wedge my camera into the port side space to take a picture and did the rest by feel. However, when it comes time to change them out or replace one underway I'm wondering if anyone has any tricks, tools etc that make removal and installation easier, particularly on the port side that is wedged in between the fuel tank.
Thanks in advance.
Frank

[PJHoffnet]

Here's a couple of quickies from Seaboard Marine's site ... best place to find info on Cummins engines (IMHO)
https://www.sbmar.com/articles/tricks-t ... -impeller/
https://www.sbmar.com/articles/seawater ... intenance/

[Cooler]

First off, with all due respect, that inspection may not be accurate. How long have the current impellers been in? Did you have any overheat issues that prompted you to check condition? An inspection by camera or feel may not be enough to determine if the vanes are cracked and therefore not producing enough suction for required flow. Another point is to make sure you have the correct impeller for the application. Get that info from your manual, or better yet, the part associated with your engine serial number. Finally, make sure you install a new impeller bent in the same direction as old one. They can self correct if backwards, but I did that once and the impeller destroyed itself while self correcting. er

[Cooler]

Excellent links PJ! er

[AaHubb]

I have found its easier to remove the pump from the engine first.
..Aaron

[mjmason1]

I had a marine mechanic replace my port side because of access. At first he tried just take out the impeller. After a lot of swearing, he finally decided the best course of action was to remove the whole pump and move it to an easier place to work on it.

[mjmason1]

I had a marine mechanic replace my port side because of access. At first he tried just take out the impeller. After a lot of swearing, he finally decided the best course of action was to remove the whole pump and move it to an easier place to work on it.