Bad day trying to remove impeller to replace Wear Ring and check condition of pump

[crazychucky8]

So, I attempted to remove the Impeller to remove the wear ring this afternoon due to cavitation. I've watched several "how to's" and read multiple posts on how to remove the impeller and reviewed the manual. I purchased an impeller removal tool and set the impeller shaft in a Vice (as mentioned everywhere including the manual). The only thing I didn't do was heat the shaft to 150 degrees as described in the manual. From everything that I've read and watched no one else heated the shaft. The impeller would not release or turn. I ended up breaking the Vice! Check out the picture:



I'm not sure if the impeller has ever been removed, but, if so, someone put it back on way beyond 90 lbs-ft. Before you ask, yes I was turning the breaker bar (more like pulling) counter clockwise. Is the loctite on the impeller shaft that hard to break? It must be an ID10T error! So, am I a complete moron and doing something wrong!?
Also, while working on the pump I notice one of the blades on the Housing has a good size chunk missing on it. Would this also contribute to my cavitation issue?

Thanks for any help, thoughts, or even if I just made you lol because of how badly I botched something that should have been extremely easy!

 

[Coastiejoe]

The Loctiite is pretty amazing. Heat breaks it down and allows the shaft to turn.

A chunk out of a fin won't hurt you, most use a Dremmel Tool to smooth it out if it has rough edges.

 

[wfo speedracer]

I have broken two cheap vices, I finally bought a vintage Colombian vice and haven"t had any more issues.

 

[crazychucky8]

Thanks guys! Looks like I will be purchasing a blowtorch and new vice!
I've read that you can remove the wear ring w/out removing the impeller.is that true and is it easy to get the new ring on with the impeller in place?

 

[wfo speedracer]

Yes it is true I replace them all the time without removing the impeller

 

[crazychucky8]

Do you typically cut them out? I tried the freezer and it did not work.

 

[hotrodssnova]

Just hold the saws all at an angle and cut the old one out. You might have to cut in two spots across from each other. Pops out with a little screwdriver work.

 

[crazychucky8]

Thanks all! I will do that once I'm back home and get a free moment from the kids.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I broke a vice. Technically there is a tool for holding the impeller shaft.