Magnum Force Pump Eye Seal

I replaced the motor and all go-kit seal parts on a Jacuzzi Magnum Force Pump.  But while working on it, I see wear on the eye seal, which isn’t part of the kit.  My eye seal had a sloppy fit to the impeller shaft, probably due to wear.  But it also seems nowhere near tall enough to seal the gap between the impeller and diffuser, even if it was the height listed in the new part description.  Is it supposed to get compressed between the impeller and diffuser, or is a gap expected?  What are the symptoms that the eye seal should be replaced?  Thanks!