Jammed Impeller

[M Prod]

I’ve got a Hardin gen 7 seawater pump with a jammed impeller. It spins no problem but won’t budge a hair off that shaft. I’ve tried everything under the sun to get it out. (short of an impeller removal tool which I don’t have as I’ve never needed one.). This was the impeller that shipped from the factory and it seems like they welded it on. Any trick I might be missing here? I’ve done screwdrivers, paint can openers, two pair of needle nose pliers, and now it’s soaking in penetrating oil. Still it won’t budge. I’m about to give up and let it sit overnight with penetrating oil and give it a go tomorrow. Do you think an impeller removal tool could get it out? If the penetrating oil doesn’t work I’ll likely just take it to the shop here and get them to remove it. If they can. I’ve never had one stuck like this. Frustrating!

 

[sbw1]

Heat a knife blade with a propane torch and melt three or four vertical slots through the impeller down to the shaft. Parts should pull right off. Then clean up the shaft. Maybe put on some silicon so the replacement is easy on and off.

 

[M Prod]

View attachment 102395
Heat a knife blade with a propane torch and melt three or four vertical slots through the impeller down to the shaft. Parts should pull right off. Then clean up the shaft. Maybe put on some silicon so the replacement is easy on and off.

Thanks ..yes I could see that working but definitely seems like a last resort. But I just may be be there. I might try that should the penetrating oil not work tonight.

 

[dtfeld]

Sometimes getting the right tool is the quickest way to get some jobs done. Any local shops lend you one to get going?

 

[Great Lakes]

View attachment 102395
Heat a knife blade with a propane torch and melt three or four vertical slots through the impeller down to the shaft. Parts should pull right off. Then clean up the shaft. Maybe put on some silicon so the replacement is easy on and off.

This also happened to my dock neighbor a couple years ago. This is what he ended up doing.

 

[M Prod]

Sometimes getting the right tool is the quickest way to get some jobs done. Any local shops lend you one to get going?

Might head over to the marine store this morning to see if they have one in stock for purchase. It’s probably a good idea to have one on the boat for an emergency just in case. Would suck to be on the water and have an impeller go and not be able to get it out to change it. Something like what’s pictured here. If that doesn’t work I’ll go the hot knife route.

 

[scoflaw]

How would a hot knife work? Impellor has a metal hub.

 

[M Prod]

How would a hot knife work? Impellor has a metal hub.

Was thinking the same but according to two posters here, it does work? Maybe heating up the stainless knife enough enables it to cut through the softer metal of the impeller shaft casing is my guess.

 

[M Prod]

Reporting back that I cannot get the hot knife to work. Maybe I need a better knife but it’s very slow getting through the shaft sleeve and I’m almost out of propane.

 

[sbw1]

is the knife blade red hot?

 

[northern]

Wonder if they used a loctite. If yes you need a puller. Look upon the puller as one hour's mechanic time to change the impeller for you. You probably would get charged 4 hours where we keep our boat.

 

[PlayDate]

I probably would have bought a new pump by now so I could use the boat. Then, I would buy an impeller puller for $100 and keep the pump as a spare.

https://www.amazon.com/Jabsco-50070-0200-Marine-Impeller-Diameter/dp/B000O895W2

 

[techmitch]

Reporting back that I cannot get the hot knife to work. Maybe I need a better knife but it’s very slow getting through the shaft sleeve and I’m almost out of propane.

Last ditch effort... Fill the cavity around the impeller fins with boiling water, let it sit for a few minutes but not too long as the shaft will get hot also and defeat the purpose.

 

[northern]

If you damage the seal the $100 puller will seam like a good deal.

 

[M Prod]

Yes blade was red hot. Probably need a better knife.

I tried to find a puller yesterday but no dice. They could ship it here for middle of next week. Tried two marine stores. I’m just going to take it to the shop at the marina tomorrow and let them have a go.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[scoflaw]

If you got some of the rubber out of the way you could slice the hub with a Dremel

 

[northern]

Home Depot sells pullers for valve handle. I got on for $20

 

[M Prod]

Home Depot sells pullers for valve handle. I got on for $20

Thanks. I bought one at Canadian Tire (same one pictured) for $10 but it’s too big to get around the impeller.

 

[M Prod]

I tried boiling water but that didn’t work. It really is like this thing is welded in there. At this point I can see some light scratches inside the housing that I’ve made, so rather than mess this up anymore, I’m going to set it down and let the shop have a go. I’m also going to give Hardin a bit of a WTF call tomorrow and see if they have any suggestions to boot. So much for using this impeller as an emergency spare. Lol

 

[Blueone]

I’m going to set it down and let the shop have a go.

Quitter

we still got ideas...don’t be that guy