Help! Crank Woodruff Key Won't Budge!!!
#1
Help! Crank Woodruff Key Won't Budge!!!
I've tried the following:
-Tapping it with a flat screwdriver and hammer (lightly).
-Using a screwdriver as a chisel and tapping up while laying on the ground.
-All sorts of pliers, channel locks, angle cutters, etc.
-Lube
-Heat with torch and tried the channel locks, etc. again.
But I STILL CAN'T remove the woodruff key from the crank. What do you guys do?
I was thinking of using a Dremel tool to cut a groove along both sides to provide a better grip for end cutters. What do you think?
Drill it out piece by piece? I can't put my motor back together unless this is resolved, so any help is appreciated.
-Tapping it with a flat screwdriver and hammer (lightly).
-Using a screwdriver as a chisel and tapping up while laying on the ground.
-All sorts of pliers, channel locks, angle cutters, etc.
-Lube
-Heat with torch and tried the channel locks, etc. again.
But I STILL CAN'T remove the woodruff key from the crank. What do you guys do?
I was thinking of using a Dremel tool to cut a groove along both sides to provide a better grip for end cutters. What do you think?
Drill it out piece by piece? I can't put my motor back together unless this is resolved, so any help is appreciated.
#2
Get some end cutter pliers, they will do the trick nicely. They allow you to grab on securely and put even pressure on the key. I wasn't a believer until I was shown... they are the proper tool for this job.
Regards,
Regards,
#3
This key has a flat bottom. So you can't poke it like the cam or balance-shaft keys and expect it to swivel out. It has to be removed by pulling directly perpendicular to the crank. Spray PB-blaster on and let sit over night. Then grab with end-cutter pliers or vise-grips and pull straight out.
#4
I had the same problem two weeks ago when i did my belts and seals for the first time. When i ordered the parts i ordered extra keys since they only cost $1 each and I started chewing some up when I tried using pliers and vise grips. I did a lot of PB Blaster on them and waiting. Only one was a problem. I took a short piece of hacksaw blade and cut into the front side of the key perpindicular with the crank. I could then get a short screwdriver blade in the groove i made and pry the key out. It took a couple of tries but it worked. Took a nice gulp of cold Corona in my garage after that sucker came out.
#5
I clamped a small vice grips on the key, then tapped it out (lightly) with a small hammer. I tapped away from the crank, that key was really in there but came out pretty easily.
Arne.
Arne.