Impeller woodruff key

[da83moon]

Engine: 1979 evinrude 55 HP 77595C
I'm replacing the imeller just because I wasnted to make sure it was up to snuff. So I was taking the thing apart and lost the woodruff key. Went down to the local marina to get one and the actual part number it pulled up was a round pin looking thing with rounded ends on each side. I was like thats not a key. So they then pulled down the water pump rebuild kit and they gave me the key for it. To me, it appears it could be wrong so I'm running it by you all before I mount 'er back up. The one that I would've figured would have went in there would be a traditional metal one that is in the shape of the rainbow. It has a straight side then a very rounded edge. The straight edge goes againts the driveshaft and the rounded into the impeller. However the one I've got is more of a tear drop size that is more elongated and doesn't really fit into the slot on the impeller. Do you all think this is the correct key or is it the wrong one and is going to mess my engine up?

 

[mikesea]

Re: Impeller woodruff key

If what you took out is the metal woodruff key(which the round goes into the driveshaft and flat into impeller,RIGHT/)Is the part they gave you plastic?if so its wrong.There were different tupes of devices used through the yrs.In you case only the key that goes into the shaft will work,others must ride on a flat surface that is machined into the shaft.Im guessing you were given the plastic that has a flat surface ,which would sit on the flat on a newer model and the curved side would sit into the impeller that has a matching curved surface.many hardware stores have a woodruff key selection .you will likely find one there if not avail at marina.most mechanics have a draw with goodies like your looking for,most guys never put the new key in

 

[da83moon]

Re: Impeller woodruff key

Thanks, I lost the original one so taht why I used the marina as the first line a offense on this. However I think they didn't know and I'll go the hardware store and pick one up, and yes they gave me a plastic one, and it did not match the impeller hole so I was making sure before everything gets boleted back up