Stuck key on impeller shaft (water pump)

[Lastcast]

How do you guys remove the key? Simple change of a water pump (impeller) right? Wrong! Mine won`t budge. I sprayed lube, tapped pulled using pliers, nippers, vise grips. I used a hammer and awl, then a chisel. I`m now considering using a torch but the lower seal is only 2 inches away and may suffer from the high temp.. Anyone experience this or am I the only one?
Thanks

[rangerguy]

try drilling it out. They are a PITA to get out.

[hooken203]

I have had a hellava time getting them out. A little heat might help. I have found that if you use a punch not a pointed one and drive straight down on the end it will make the other end pop up. I would drive it down on the end closest to the plate then when it comes up on the other end it will be easyer to drive it the rest of the way out.

[ChrisH]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by hooken203 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I have had a hellava time getting them out. A little heat might help. I have found that if you use a punch not a pointed one and drive straight down on the end it will make the other end pop up. I would drive it down on the end closest to the plate then when it comes up on the other end it will be easyer to drive it the rest of the way out.</td></tr></table>i tried that and got it a little bit out. finally ended up going to Lowes and getting some of these and it just came out with ease. took me about 4 hours to get that damn thing out.

[hooken203]

Thats a good idea.Glad you got it out. I have been there fighting one to get it out.

[cehlert]

Just in case this helps someone else I used a pretty good sized flat punch and a hammer and hit it on the top of the key. This budged it to towards the bottom just a tad. Then I clamped on with a vise grip very tight and wiggled it a little and it came out. Was very tight.

[slapshot]

The last time I fought with mine, it needed heat and a good beating to get out.

[simtech]

I had to use a Dremel to get mine out.

[reelmin5]

LOL I had to drill mine into little pieces to get that sucker to break loose

[07_250_Outlaw]

I used a Dremel to get mine out also.