Installing impeller shaft key JD 47 snowblower

[Waldershrek]

Noticed my grandmothers snowblower (47 front mount on 2305) wasn't blowing like it should. Turns out it lost the key that keeps the impeller on the shaft. I got new keys from JD but they don't seem to want to go in. The flange (#3 in the parts diagram) slides freely forward without loosening the set screws but the impeller won't slide back at ll to allow the key way to go in it's little groove. Am I just supposed to pound it in?

 

[Dutch445]

you may need to loosen those set screws a little more, so that hub
slides forward enough to expose the groove in the shaft for the key.
once you get the new key in, and slide the hub back, you might want to
double check the set screws are actually engaging the shaft enough to
keep it from sliding forward. I have added a 1" split locking collar to mine
to keep it from sliding forward if the set screws don't hold.

 

[Dave M7040]

Noticed my grandmothers snowblower (47 front mount on 2305) wasn't blowing like it should. Turns out it lost the key that keeps the impeller on the shaft. I got new keys from JD but they don't seem to want to go in. The flange (#3 in the parts diagram) slides freely forward without loosening the set screws but the impeller won't slide back at ll to allow the key way to go in it's little groove. Am I just supposed to pound it in?

View attachment 355983

I would get a fairly smooth flat file and try touching up the key ways. If the blower was running without a key there could be some bur(s) created that is making things hard to go together. If the parts assemble easily without the key then focus on the key ways and key with the file. DONT pound anything!!!
Dave M7040

 

[jgayman]

I agree with the previous poster. In addition to a file, I've had good luck using Crocus Cloth to not only smooth the keyways but also to smooth the edges of the key itself. Just a tiny little bur or rough edge will cause the key to hang up.