impeller key way corroded

[dann03]

Got a problem, have a 72 johnson 85. The input shaft to the lower unit is corroded where the key way secures the impeller hub. It spit out the key way. Anybody seen this before? What can be done about it? BTW it has been in salt water most of its life. Thanks for any ideas...

 

[Solittle]

Re: impeller key way corroded

Welcome dann - Lots of info on this site - With 24 years of use in salt water you are lucky if that is all that is wrong. The shaft you are referring to is the driveshaft. A new key will come with a new water pump or impeller. If the keyway in the driveshaft is corroded so bad that the new key will not fit or fit snugly your best bet is to take the driveshaft to a machine shop. You could attack the rust with a Dremel but without a picture it is hard to advise further.