Mercury – Water Pump Impeller | Cooling System Component | Flexible Marine Elastomer | 89980

Overview

If you’ve ever run a vintage Mercury outboard, you know there’s a certain charm in those small horsepower engines — the quiet idle, the steady push, the simplicity. But one thing hasn’t changed over the decades: a dependable water pump impeller is absolutely essential. The Quicksilver 89980 Water Pump Impeller brings new life to classic 3.5–9.8 horsepower Mercury 2-stroke engines, helping them stay cool, steady, and ready for the next stretch of shoreline. Whether you’re poking around a shallow creek or taking a slow, relaxed cruise with the kids, there’s peace of mind in knowing your cooling system is doing exactly what it should.

Key Features

• Designed for vintage Mercury 3.5–9.8 horsepower 2-stroke outboards
• Flexible marine elastomer construction maintains performance across temperature changes
• Center insert is bonded to impeller vanes for durability and secure water flow
• Engineered for higher flow rates to protect against overheating
• Meets Mercury Marine OEM specifications for fit, performance, and longevity

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Fits vintage Mercury 2-stroke outboards from 3.5 HP to 9.8 HP
• Common on:
  • Small fishing boats
  • Lightweight utility boats
  • Car-toppers
  • Dinghies and tenders
  • Portable outboards on canoes and inflatables
• Compatible with engines using Mercury/Quicksilver cooling system components from the same model series

Performance & Practical Benefits

Cooling is everything on a small 2-stroke engine. These little motors work hard, especially when you’re running them at steady mid-throttle or navigating long, shallow stretches. A worn impeller can’t move enough cooling water, and even a small drop in flow can cause big problems — overheating, power loss, or long-term internal wear.

The Quicksilver 89980 restores strong, steady water flow with an impeller built from marine-grade elastomers that stay flexible through a wide range of temperatures. Cold morning start? It flexes cleanly. Hot engine compartment after a long run? It maintains its shape and continues moving water without tearing or deforming.

The bonded center insert is especially important for vintage engines. Many older or generic impellers fail when the hub separates from the vanes, causing an immediate loss of water flow. This Quicksilver design keeps the insert and vanes locked together, giving you consistent pressure and reliable cooling season after season.

Better flow means better protection. With a fresh impeller, the engine stays cooler at idle, responds more smoothly under acceleration, and holds temperature more consistently at full throttle. For older Mercury outboards, which already rely on smaller water passages, that steady cooling makes a noticeable difference.

Why Buy OEM

Vintage engines deserve parts that meet the standards they were built around. Aftermarket impellers often use cheaper rubber compounds that stiffen, crack, or wear out early — especially in sandy, silty, or shallow water where impellers are tested the most. A genuine Quicksilver impeller is molded to Mercury’s original design, ensuring proper fit, correct vane shape, and the cooling performance the engine depends on. It’s a smart choice if you want your classic outboard to start reliably, run cool, and keep performing for years to come.

FAQ

Q1: Which engines does this impeller fit?

It fits vintage Mercury 3.5–9.8 horsepower 2-stroke outboards.

Q2: Why replace the impeller regularly?

Impellers wear down over time and lose flexibility, reducing cooling flow and increasing the risk of overheating.

Q3: How do I confirm compatibility?

Match your engine model and horsepower range with part number 89980 or check your service manual.

Q4: Is this impeller suitable for saltwater?

Yes — the elastomer is designed to hold up against saltwater exposure when properly maintained.

Q5: Can I install it myself?

Most owners with basic tools can complete the job by following Mercury’s standard lower-unit removal steps.

• Supersessions
  47-89980, 47-89980, 47-89980B