ARGH!!! Replacing Shaft Seal on my KDS15

[chachp]

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">SO.....I finally got around to replacing the shaft seal on my KDS15 and I have a problem.  I can't get the screw off that holds the Wash impeller on so I can't get to the shaft seal.  If I try much harder I will strip the screw head.  I have saturated it with the Liquid Wrench and let it sit for a few days and it won't budge.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">Does anyone have a suggestion for getting it loose?</span> 

 

[toploader55]

PB Blaster ?

Spray, Soak, Try... Repeat.

That's what I used on the trap of by KD2-P when the Cast Iron fused to the Bakelite.

How about placing the screwdriver into the head of the screw and tap it lightly with a hammer ?

IDK... I'm no technician but those are the things I try before I burst into tears and pour a cocktail proclaiming defeat.

 

[chachp]

I tried the tapping and that didn't seem to budge it.

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">I will get some PB Blaster and give it a shot (no PUNN intended).  I thought PB Blaster was only for rust and I don't see any rust but I'll try anything.  The damn thing just won't budge and I'm so worried I'll strip the screw. I have a spare Wash Impeller so if the plastic is damaged at all I should be OK.  Thanks Eddie.</span>

 

[stevet]

C'mon guys..

Ralph, did you lose my phone number? And Eddie, since when do you party without inviting others to indulge as well?

Ralph, Get yourself a hand held impact driver from Harbor Freight or borrow one and set it to loosen and give the driver a good hit with a hammer And that screw should come out.

Why are you replacing the seal anyway?

Steve

 

[chachp]

Hi Steve,

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">It started leaking that tell tale mist.  I stopped the machine and advanced it to drain out the water.  The remainder of the water in the sump eventually ran out as well.  Is that not the shaft seal?  I didn't let it run very long because I don't want to damage the motor or timer but it was definitely that mist that I thought meant it was the shaft seal. </span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">I'm not sure I know what an Impact Driver is but I can find one.  I'll google it and check it out.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">Heck no, I didn't loose your number.  Honestly, I just didn't think that in your time working on these machines I bet you've seen a fair number of these.  Thanks Steve.  I'll check this out.</span>

 

[kb0nes]

Ralph, one of these is what Steve is suggesting.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-impact-driver/p-00947641000P

Even if I was only intending to use it one time, you couldn't pay me to buy a Harbor Freight version. I have attempted to use them several times and they are just too marginal (the bits lose their edge and wreck the screws). The Craftsman model here is only $23 and it is a nice tool. You WILL use it again and again once you learn how amazing these gadgets are too!

 

[stevet]

More than my share!

Ralph I can definitely say without any hesitation, I have changed out more of the seals on the kd15 thru 20 style machines than any other seals. The 15,16,and 17 pumps were the same as those used on the Hobart WM series which were based on the 16 machines, and the WM5 was the European version of the KD18 series which had the same pump as the 18-20 machines. Then Hobart reintroduced the 20 series derived pump in the SR24 series machines so I saw many pump seal replacements.
If you are going to do the install, I will send you the required Touch/Clear gauge which is a must to get the shimming of the impellers correct as shown in the service manuals. That will insure proper height of the wash impeller and maximize the pump pressure. just let me know and I will send it out to you.

 

[stevet]

Made an Impact, just today!

Phil, I totally agree with your assessment of the usefulness of an impact driver. In fact, I used mine today on a Vulcan Hart Convection oven.

My driver is over 30 years old and was bought from Snap-On for less than 40 bucks back in the early 80's. A few years ago, I need the tips on the Philips drivers replaced and when the Snap-On guy saw the case, he knew how old the tool was. Ironically, buying a single complete driver socket tip costs about as much as I paid for the whole impact set.

Sadly, while they still replace the tips for free, they are not as good as the originals. But then, what is these days?

Anytime I use it, I tell the person watching me that it is the best tool I have ever bought!

 

[chachp]

Thank you folks!!

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">Steve,thank you.  I sent you an Email.  </span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">Phil,  thanks for the recommendation on the Craftsman Impact Driver.  We have one of those tiny Satellite type sears stores here and a small Harbor Freight.  Ironically they are both in the same strip mall.  I'll see who has one.  If neither has one I should be able to pick one up in Little Rock which is only 20 miles away.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">I've watched a couple of You Tube videos on how these things work so we'll see how it goes.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">Thanks again guys.</span>