Has anyone considered using a self aligning ball bearing for the front bearing on the Solas "Mag" pump?
From the SKF website.
The self-aligning ball bearing was invented by SKF. It has two rows of balls and a common sphered raceway in the outer ring. The bearings are consequently self-aligning and insensitive to shaft deflections and angular misalignment of the shaft relative to the housing. Additionally, self-aligning ball bearings generate less friction than any other type of rolling bearing, which enables them to run cooler even at high speeds.
I noticed my alignment had to be dead nuts, if it wasnt' the front bearing made a bit of noise. This bearing may alleviate some mis-alignment issues. Although I am sure you don't want any deflection in the shaft which could push the prop into the wear-ring.
SKF part number: 1205 EKTN9
How much mis-alignment do you think the shaft seals can take?