Question about water pump impeller
 

I justill replaced the oil and mechanical seal on 03 500. I disn't think to check before I pulled it apart. So once I tighten up the nut against the impeller, should the impeller move freely? Should the impeller spin when I pull the recoil?

Impeller nut torques from 5-7 INCH pounds,shouldn't turn freely on the shaft. Impeller will spin whether you use the recoil or electric starter.

Ok it doesn't spin when I pull recoil, I believe I am missing a washer/seal? According to parts diagram there is a washer/seal in between the impeller and mechanical seal? Also how do you torque that nut? The shaft spins when I try to tighten it with wratchet. 03 sportsman 500ho

As insignificant as this small seal looks,it's needed..It helps grip the impeller again the w/p seal so you can tighten the nut. Also if the washer behind the nut looks worn,order a new one also.If you have a friend with an inch pound torque wrench that's even better. Most people over tighten this nut and you take a chance of breaking the shaft tip.An extra hand helps also by either holding the impeller fins or even stuffing a rag so the impeller will bind up against it so you can torque it right.Polaris ATV Parts 2003 A03CH50AA-AB-AC-AD-AE-AH-AJ SPORTSMAN 500 HO WATER PUMP Diagram

Probably not something the dealer will have, the washer is on ebay for 99 cents $6 shipping. Unreal

That's when you look for other items you may need to order also when shipping costs more than the one part. Helps justify the charges.

So this little washer between the impeller and nut, I can't just use a regular washer? Then order the the one behind the impeller off ebay? Thanks for your help as always OPT

Well my closest dealer over the phone said they had both washers in Stock. Drove there and go figure they didn't have the one that's in between the impeller and mechanical seal, juat the little one in between the impeller and nut. Called all the other dealers within an hour driving and nobody stocks it. Can this be cross referenced with anything at hardware store ?

This washer is a rubber coated metal type sealing washer.I don't think a flat washer would work as well,but that's just my two cents on this.It's purpose is to help keep coolant from seeping past the main w/p seal and out the drip hole.

Okay so that last part the washer will be here tomorrow would it be smart to fill the engine the foil was to make sure the oil seal doesn't leak before I put it back together?