Woodruff Key concerns

[JustJeff]

I'm worried about my woodruff key on the flywheel. My assembly has reached the stage of testing endplay. On my Atkins video they have to tap their key with a hammer to get it in place. My used one isn't nearly so tight.

For clarity's sake. I've got the rounded side towards the e-shaft. It will sit in the spot it should with only minimal effort. BUT when I go to set the flywheel over it gets pushed out. What does work is having someone hold it in place with a screwdriver while I lower the flywheel in place.

Being my first rebuild, I want to make sure this won't be an issue down the road. I've read threads where people have had the key come loose or get sheared off.

It's the same key that came off of the car, but engine teardown was long enough ago that I don't remember how tight or loose it was. With this being my first rebuild I don't have a reference point for what's permissible and what isn't.

[misterstyx69]

Once the flywheel is on it and the nut is tight,NOTHING is gonna move that Key.It is designed to make contact when the flywheel sits on it,so it won;'t slide anywhere.

[RETed]

It can sometimes slide "into" the engine when you're slipping the flywheel / rear counterweight onto it, but it's obvious when you look at it.
Having it a little loose is not going to really affect it too much.
Having to shear that much cross section of the key would most likely throw the rotor through the rotor housing first before the key shears in half.

If you're paranoid about the key falling out, hit it with some Loctite green (after assembly).
That should keep it in place.


-Ted

[JustJeff]

Good to hear, thanks for the feedback