Mainshaft spacer replacement problem

[jbgoodner2]

I am trying to replace the mainshaft spacer on my '62, but the old one will not pull out. I can't see any burrs or visible reason why . It rotates on the shaft but hangs up halfway to the threads on the final drive gear. Any ideas or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated !! Thanks, and God Bless !!!!

[Cotten]

JB!

I'm a little confused by "rotates on the shaft";
Are we speaking of the spacer between the case race and the sprocket, behind the big seal?

....Cotten

[jbgoodner2]

Yes sir! I have often seen it referred to as " the hat".It spin on the mainshaft and slides about halfway out to the threads and splines,then binds. I can't see any reason for it not to pull off the shaft.

[jbgoodner2]

Correction: it spins on the final drive gear .

[Cotten]

JB!

The spacers shrink from overheating, so you have a real dilemma.

You might try gentle heat, like a hot-air gun, or a propane torch for only a moment, to see if it will expand enough to pry off.
Cutting it and splitting it would be real surgery.

Hopefully you will not see any blueing of the mainrace or needles!

....Cotten

[jbgoodner2]

Thanks,I'll try hot air, and, if that doesn't work, propane. It will be sometime this PM before I can get to it . I'll try to remember to let you know how it goes! God Bless !!!