[Shotimes] Crank Cancer - Cracked woodruff key, fubar timing sprocket

[George Fourchy]

On Thu, 11 Nov 2004 12:28:18 -0800 (PST), Ian Fisher wrote:

>The timing sprocket is notched to slide over the
>woodruff key. If I recall correctly and I am 99.9%
>positive on this, the crank is not splined. 

The crank is not splined.  The sprocket is splined, or more accurately it has slots
in the inner crank facing surface.....why, I don't know, but it probably  has to do
with some function of expanding and contracting with heat.  The only fitting the
sprocket and crank do with each other is for the sprocket to nest up against the
crank where the front main journal ends (just outside the oil seal) and goes down to
the snout diameter.

>I should have a spare timing sprocket. I think someone
>(George Fourchy) said that the correct woodruf key was
>available from most hardware stores. I have seen them
>at SEARS in the nuts and bolts section but I never
>needed to match one up to the SHO's key.

I don't know whether the correct woodruff key is available locally or not.  I never
needed to look for one, up til now.  I used the good one with the good sprocket off
the original engine from the black car, which at that time was hibernating in the
back yard with a spun bearing.  I'd hope they are available somewhere, but I don't
know.

>So basically it sounds like you only need a sprocket and a key.

I'd agree, as long as your wear isn't as bad as mine was.  Check by sliding the new
sprocket onto the crank, without the woodruff key installed.  Make sure the fit is
snug, and that there is no sideways wobble due to wear of the crank.  Mine had .0015
of wear all around, because it had run so long with the loose damper, and I had to
fill it in with shims that size, available in a pocket feeler gauge set, and
locktite for gears to keep everything tight.

You can see what I did here.....        http://www.krazgeo.com/CrankCancer.html

If you have any more questions, certainly ask me.

George