when I was changing the seals on the waterpump, the impeller was broken in pieces, but the shaft looks ok but was further inside the engine because the impeller and circlip wasn't holding it out, would this be normal, or might it have done some damage

I can move the shaft in and out slightly (not taken it out) and does turn round freely

hope you can understand what I mean ,

what do you think

cheers

Flush your motor real good to ensure the bits are out and replace the pump with the Jitsie model for more volume.