Need Help with freeing a Ceramic Shaft from bushing

[Biglurr54]

I have 2 Fluval SP6 pumps that I got with a tank i bought. They were both frozen and stuck with calcium build up. I took them all apart and soaked everything in acid. In the acid bath the impellers found each other. The strength of the magnets broke one of the shafts on one of the impellers. The second impeller has a bushing stuck on it. I have two pump but no impellers now. I soaked the bushing in an acid bath until it stopped bubbling then I soaked it overnight in straight vinegar. I then soaked the bushing in wd40 hoping that would penetrate and allow the bushing to be freed. I used pliers to get more torque and the bushing is still stuck on the shaft. my next trick would be to use heat. I am worried the heat might crack the ceramic. Any tips or ideas on how to free a ceramic bushing off a ceramic shaft. New impellers are $100 so I'm nervous getting too crazy with it.

 

[Biglurr54]

Here's a pic of the one that broke before it broke. I am trying to free the bushing that's off this one.

 

[Smo]

If your desire end state is two reliable pumps with some longevity...you are probably better off buying two new impeller kits with new bushings. Likely not what you wanted to hear.

 

[Biglurr54]

I'd like to free the ceramic shaft and clean it up so I can use the impeller as a spare

 

[Biglurr54]

I would like one reliable pump (new impeller kit) and one spare pump with the old impeller is working condition.

 

[Smo]

Understood, but the impeller shaft is likely worn and not ideally useable.

 

[Biglurr54]

Any tips on freeing it up to see? They guy who I got the pumps from must have just loaded the tank with calcium because it had massive amounts of build up on all the pumps I got. Thick build up. And he told me he didn't have and sps coral. Just a few lps and softies. I don't think the pumps have much use. The tank wa s in use for 3 years and I got 6 return pumps. So it must have only been used for for about 6 months!

 

[Biglurr54]

I think I'll take the torch to it tonight and see if heat will break it free.

 

[Biglurr54]

Heat did the trick. Just slowly worked it off between applying heat. Pump works great after a acid soak.

Looks like I will have two running sp6s

 

[Smo]

Wow. Good for you!

 

[Blue Ring Octopus]

Be care full with heat magnets do not like it.

 

[DropInTheOcean Matthew]

Heat did the trick. Just slowly worked it off between applying heat. Pump works great after a acid soak.

Looks like I will have two running sp6s

I just had that same thing happen to me just now.. applied heat with a torch and it freed it right up! I really appreciate the help because I didn’t have an extra pump ‍