It took less than 15 minutes to get the stub shaft out
this morning. I found absolutely no sign of the shaft
rubbing on the seal plate, and the length of the
shaft was just a hair over 6-5/8″.
For kicks, I pulled the shaft out and welded up the
spring casing.
I got lucky and was able to re-install the stub shaft
without pulling apart the gearcase……..
but, even though I ground down the welds some,
one of them was rubbing on the housing. 🙁
Pulled the shaft back out, chucked it in the lathe this
time, and machined off some of the weld.
Once again I got lucky and got the shaft back into
the gearcase…….. But, after I reinstalled the water pump
assembly, it seems to turn too hard, at least to me.
I loosened up the four pump housing screws a ways,
and it turns okay.
I had ordered an 18-3001 impeller, but found a new “generic”
one in my box of goodies, with no numbers, but I had labeled
for Gale 5 hp and TN Johnsons.
I just looked up impellers for those in my notes, and it says
they take the same impeller.
Hence….. I’m not sure if………
The “cheapie” impeller is out of specs, or I’m just being
paranoid about the motor turning over too hard.
The new one is suppose to come in two days, and I’m not
sure if it will be any better.
I don’t relish pulling the powerhead a third time, so perhaps
I’ll wait for the ordered impeller to arrive, and see if that’s
any “looser”.
Too bad I wasn’t a welder by trade!
Prepare to be boarded!