[chrisguyw]

I don't feel I can return it after all this time so what is the best fix? Superglue? The pinion can be slid right up against the motor and superglue applied to the motor shaft before reengaging the crown and pinion, so no danger of gluing up the motor. Replace the pinion, with a grub screwed item, if I have one? Remove the existing pinion and savage the shaft (it's smooth, with a brass pinion) then press the pinion back on, or ....?

There is always a risk of seizing the motor bushing if you apply glue to the motor shaft,......so,.....a tip,......put a drop of glue into the pinion bore (not the motor shaft),...this way the glue will move away from the motor bushing as the pinion is installed. With the close tolerance between the pinion bore and the motor shaft, there will be plenty of glue to securely affix the pinion. If you are really worried, once you have positioned the pinion, you can apply a tiny drop of glue (with a toothpick) to the pinion/motor shaft interface (away from the motor bushing).........I have done this countless times with no issues.

This procedure can also be used for re gluing plastic wheels.......put the glue into the wheel hole, not the axle.

While you can use superglue, most of these have very low shear strength, and, are, therefore not ideal..........some permanent "Threadlocker" (Locktite/Permatex etc.) will do a much better job....stronger, very good shear strength, and easy to remove/loosen by touching a hot soldering iron the the join,........plus,......no glued fingers  .

Stay Safe

Chris Walker