Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Please look closely at the end of the shaft where the spring washer is retained. Use a magnifying glass if needed. You will see that the shaft is "upset", that is pinched to make it swell in one direction so that the washer and spring are permanently captured.

You will need to use either pliers (I like Vise Grips for this) or better yet a vise, to pinch the bulges on the end of the shaft IN until the washer and spring have clearance to be removed. If that doesn't work for you perhaps you could file the excess material away, but then you are short material to reassemble, which is still okay if you plan to thread the end of the shaft so you can use a nut to retain the spring and washer.

If not planning to thread and use a nut, after you have installed a replacement spring, or two, then replace the washer and either pinch the shaft until it is fat enough to retain the washer or peen it with a hammer and blunt chisel or punch.

Hope that helps!