WEAR RING REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

1. Heat half way around the inside of the old wear ring with a propane torch until the vinyl insulator begins to melt. Grab the edge of the wear ring with pliers and pull it straight out. It may take a second heating if the wear ring cocks and jams on the way out. Do not burn the insulator as vinyl fumes are toxic. 2. If the pump shaft is to remain installed during this procedure, remove the impeller key from the shaft and make sure the old impeller can slide freely on the shaft all the way to the shoulder. 3. If there is vinyl residue or corrosion in the wear ring bore of the suction piece, clean it with Scotch-Brite. TIP: Placing the wear ring in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before installation shrinks it slightly, making it easier to install. Be prepared to use it within a few minutes after removing from freezer. If the bore of the suction piece is warm (not hot!) it will expand slightly, also easing installation. Do not heat the new insulator! 4. Tuck the new insulator in the suction piece, shoulder first. Make sure the insulator is seated all the way around and that the ends do not overlap. A gap of 1/8" or so between the ends will not affect performance. A light smear of clean oil on the inside of the insulator will help the wear ring press in without wrinkling the insulator. 5. Slip the new wear ring on the old impeller with the tapered side facing out. Push the impeller with wear ring on to the shaft until the taper on the wear ring has started evenly into the insulator all around. If the pump shaft is not installed, care must be taken not to cock the wear ring, but you don't have to worry about hitting the shaft, (WARNING: If the old impeller is to be re-used in the pump, be very careful not to damage it if using it as a driver. You may want to skip to step 6.a). With a mallet or a hammer and block of wood, use the old impeller as a driver to drive the new wear ring in about 3/4 of the way. 6. Never hammer directly on the wear ring . To drive the wear ring in full depth (making sure it is seated squarely all around), you can either: a) use a block of wood as a driver against the wear ring (you can do this from the start if the old impeller is not used as a driver), or, if the old impeller/driver is not to be re-used in the pump: b) slip the old wear ring on the old impeller/driver to extend its reach and then finish driving the new wear ring, or c) cut 1/8" or more off the old impeller/driver face so it can seat the new wear ring to full depth by itself. NOTE: If the impeller key was removed, replace it before installing the impeller. If the jet is not connected to the motor, after the pump is assembled you can reach through the hand hole and turn the shaft to make sure the impeller and wear ring are not rubbing. A rebuilt pump should be run for the first time with the boat in the water. This lubricates the packing and helps prevent galling if there is a rub between impeller and wear ring.