I was changing the rubber impeller this past weekend and not being able to remove the old one easily, I used a screw-driver to pry it out (I now know why one shouldn't do that). Of course, I've now scratched the shiny surface of the plate. The scratch is not too deep, but I can feel it with my fingernail. I was told I could just flip the plate over and use the flip side as a new surface. I have a few questions: What damage could a minor scratch cause? Is the scratched plate still ok to use? If I shouldn't use the scratched side, can I use the flip side, presently covered with peeling paint? If yes, what is the best method to remove the paint? Sanding it doesn't make sense to me because that would scratch the surface as well. As always, thank you for your ideas.
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As long as it is smooth
Take some emery paper or crocus cloth and polish the scratch so it can't damage the impeller and you should be fine. The amount of water that will leak past the impeller is ignorable.
Take some emery paper or crocus cloth and polish the scratch so it can't damage the impeller and you should be fine. The amount of water that will leak past the impeller is ignorable.
Removing Paint
The impeller/water pump housing is only soft metal (brass/bronze?). Use steel wool, but don't be too aggressive. Yes, you can flip the plate, but be sure all of the paint is removed. And be sure to change the gasket, also. It's only paper, but you will need a new one. Actually, buy one or two extras as a backup.
The impeller/water pump housing is only soft metal (brass/bronze?). Use steel wool, but don't be too aggressive. Yes, you can flip the plate, but be sure all of the paint is removed. And be sure to change the gasket, also. It's only paper, but you will need a new one. Actually, buy one or two extras as a backup.
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