Woodruff Key Condition

[gm5oh]

Does my woodruff key look normal to you guys?

My crank pulley came loose while driving a week or so ago and caught it within a minute after it came loose. Luckily the crankshaft pulley spacer stayed in place flush on the engine, but the pulley completely separated from the spacer. Drained oil, no shards or metal. Put the car back together temporarily since my pulley damaged itself coming off along with the surface of the spacer. I did not drive it, just let it idle and revved to 3k and then backed it into my garage after the tow truck dropped it off at my house. Anyways, when the engine ran everything sounded perfect, no sign of spun bearings etc.

The reason I make this post is because looking back at the pictures I took it looks a little weird. Maybe this won’t be a problem now but will be in the future? Can anybody help reassure that my engine is fine or would like to fuel my paranoia? Haha. Please let me know.

Thank you all

[Ultramaroon]

That is clearly sheared.

[gm5oh]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

That is clearly sheared.

Thoughts on what I should do? I can replace just the key right or no? Also, added another better pic I took just now.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by gm5oh

Thoughts on what I should do? I can replace just the key right or no? Also, added another better pic I took just now.

Hate to be Debbie downer here but looks like the crank and timing gear is damaged. I would take it to a shop that is familiar with FA20's, they are going to need to pull the timing cover and access the damage and repair options.

[gm5oh]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

Hate to be Debbie downer here but looks like the crank and timing gear is damaged. I would take it to a shop that is familiar with FA20's, they are going to need to pull the timing cover and access the damage and repair options.

Yeah, I figured, appreciate the input though lol. So the woodruff key is replaceable, I know the sprocket above the key is replaceable, but is the part of the key that makes contact with the bottom of the semicircle side of the key a replaceable part, without replacing the whole crank?

I called up a shop and they said they would get back to me. I explained the situation and am waiting for a call back.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by gm5oh

Yeah, I figured, appreciate the input though lol. So the woodruff key is replaceable, I know the sprocket above the key is replaceable, but is the part of the key that makes contact with the bottom of the semicircle side of the key a replaceable part, without replacing the whole crank?

I called up a shop and they said they would get back to me. I explained the situation and am waiting for a call back.

Upper part of the key goes into the timing gear, lower part of the key goes into the crankshaft. The way the key is rocked in the crankshaft keyway is concerning.

[gm5oh]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

Upper part of the key goes into the timing gear, lower part of the key goes into the crankshaft. The way the key is rocked in the crankshaft keyway is concerning.

Yeah, I figured. Rebuild time it is. Car sounded completely normal when I started it, which is why I was hopeful. It is what it is. Thanks for the help, I’ll post updates as time passes!

[Ultramaroon]

Fingers crossed that the crank is salvageable.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by gm5oh

Yeah, I figured. Rebuild time it is. Car sounded completely normal when I started it, which is why I was hopeful. It is what it is. Thanks for the help, I’ll post updates as time passes!

It is pretty much still in time so it should run okay. I would just be worried about it cracking the timing gear or shearing the key the rest of the way. These are interference engines so it would be pretty bad if that happened. Hopefully the crank survived *crosses fingers*

[Sapphireho]

So what do you all think is the cause of this problem?

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

So what do you all think is the cause of this problem?

You would think that it would be mostly fine. Possible the timing gear walks a bit without the crankshaft extension tight and puts load on the key way in ways it’s not designed for. I don’t really know. Just throwing a dart at a board.

[Ultramaroon]

No idea. Maybe it had been run with a loose pulley long enough for it to wear like that.

[gm5oh]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

It is pretty much still in time so it should run okay. I would just be worried about it cracking the timing gear or shearing the key the rest of the way. These are interference engines so it would be pretty bad if that happened. Hopefully the crank survived *crosses fingers*

I have a new spacer, crankshaft pulley, bolt, and o-ring. Play with fire and replace just those, or remove the timing cover, untime the motor, and replace the key and sprocket?

I wonder how long I would be able to last with the former.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by gm5oh

I have a new spacer, crankshaft pulley, bolt, and o-ring. Play with fire and replace just those, or remove the timing cover, untime the motor, and replace the key and sprocket?

I wonder how long I would be able to last with the former.

Don't really know how long it will last but good luck