88spl water pump key

[sprintex]

One more question. Which way does the thick side of the key face? When I took it apart the key went sliding across the garage. Also is it supposed to be so difficult to install? I tried both ways. I did match it up to the impeller.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 88spl water pump key

Dont know if this is a help or not but with a much smaller engine I have come across two types of key. The original was round in x section and metal the non oem replacement impeller had a plastic key that was tringular in cross section. The broadest face went against the shaft. The keys and impellers were not interchangeable.

Probably does not help but it has bumped you post to the top again!

 

[sprintex]

Re: 88spl water pump key

Thanks for the bump! This key is nylon or some kind of plastic. I would think the thick side would go against rotation. Never saw a key like this before but then I never replace a water pump in an Evinrude OB.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 88spl water pump key

it's a mystery to me too, but I've been putting the thick side against the rotation just like ya said, it's worked well for several years.

"Is it *supposed* to be difficult to install?" if you mean hard to get the impeller in the housing, yup, it has to be that way. Put a little grease inside the housing, makes it easier, I just use trailer axle grease.

 

[sprintex]

Re: 88spl water pump key

No I can't get the impeller to slide over the key.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 88spl water pump key

no, it should fit. try turning the impeller over. if it's a new impeller, if you're reusing the old one, turn the key over instead.

btw, vic, last oem pump kit I bought came with the plastic key, too.

 

[sprintex]

Re: 88spl water pump key

Ok got it to line up, it was a new key in the kit. Now just fighting with the impeller (new) right now it is sitting in the sun to soften it up a little.