Coleman Mach AC motor replacement

[Bobbyo42rq]

I am replacing the motor on one of my Coleman Mach AC units. I have the new motor, exact match to the old one. I sort of bent some of the coil fins in getting the old unit out. Fixed that issue. Now, I don't have enough clearance to get the new unit in with the cooling fan and blower cage attached. It would fit great if I cut off about 1/2" of the shaft. This would not be an issue with the cooling fan placement. It would stick out that much anyway as it did with the old unit. My question is has anyone removed a small portion of the main shaft to make it easily fit? Any issues with doing this?
Thanks!!!

 

[workinonit]

Never done it on one of these units specifically but it is common practice to have to trim shafts on condenser fan motors and evaporator blower motors. If it needs to be cut, cut it. File the corners of the shaft so the fan will go back on easily.

 

[John From Detroit]

As I recall when I did my carrier the fan went on last.. (Do not recall when we did the blower but it may also have gone on after the motor was mounted.. Each make is a bit different.... But as I recall we did the fan after we bolted the motor down. and it was tight yes.

 

[beaverfever]

hack away no problem its mild steel.just measure twice and cut once.

 

[gwinger]

Put the motor is first without the fans attached. You can move the motor back and forth, attach the fans and then mount the motor.

 

[Bobbyo42rq]

Well, I cut off about 1/2" from the shaft and that did the trick!
All done and now have quiet, cool air!
Thanks for the info!!