How to Replace a Yamaha 60 Outboard Water Pump
Maintaining the water pump in a 2003 Yamaha T60 outboard is essential to its health. Rubber components inside the water pump can break down and cut the pump’s ability to move water.
And worse yet, chunks of rubber from an old impeller can do a number on your outboard’s cooling system. Watch the video above and follow the steps below to learn how to replace the water pump on a Yamaha 60HP outboard.
Tools and Parts - Yamaha 60HP Outboard Water Pump Replacement
- 12mm socket
- 3/8th ratchet
- Flatblade screwdriver
- Punch
- Small soft-blow hammer
- Torque wrench
- Yamaha 60 water pump repair kit
- Yamalube marine grease
NOTE: If you’ve just replaced the components in the water pump and just need a new impeller, you can find it here: Yamaha T60 water pump impeller
Before you begin the water pump repair process, you need to remove the lower unit from the outboard. Watch the video below if you need help getting that done.
Yamaha T60 Outboard Water Pump Repair
Step 1. Remove the four 12mm bolts that hold the housing in place.
Step 2. Clean the drive shaft to prevent dirt or debris from falling into the replacement water pump.
Step 3. Remove the two-piece (outer housing and circular inner housing that covers the impeller) upper housing.
Step 4. Remove the impeller. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry it out if necessary.
NOTE: If any of the vanes on the impeller have broken off, you need to track them down. They may have gone down into the lower unit toward the intake or up toward the engine. Either way, broken vanes can clog the engine and cause it to overheat.
Step 5. Remove the woodruff key on the drive shaft.
PRO TIP: Use a hammer and a small punch to knock it loose easily.
Step 6. Remove the lower housing. There are three things you need to remove: a gasket, a plate and then another gasket. Use a flatblade screwdriver if these parts are stuck.
Step 7. Install the new gaskets and plate (included in the water pump repair kit) onto the lower housing (gasket, plate, gasket).
Step 8. Remove and replace the gasket below the housing, then replace the housing itself.
Step 9. Use a small soft-blow hammer to replace the woodruff key on the drive shaft. Tilt it up a bit so that when you slide the impeller over it, the woodruff key won’t catch.
Step 10. Slide the impeller into place and push it all the way down onto the plate.
Step 11. Put the inner, circular housing (removed in Step 3, along with an outer housing) inside the outer housing to reinstall it. Use a little marine grease to lubricate the inside of the inner housing so the impeller can turn freely.
Step 12. Replace the cover. As you’re sliding it over the impeller, turn the drive or input shaft clockwise so the impeller vanes are flexed in the correct direction inside the water pump.
Step 13. Replace the bolts holding the housing in place.
NOTE: The two bolts in the front are longer to accommodate the shape of the cover. Yamaha doesn’t have a specific torque recommendation for these bolts, but we suggest 12 foot-pounds.
Step 14. Remount the lower unit and you’re done.