Crank Question

[HotFourOk]

The crank measures 31.96mm and the pulley ID measures 32.4mm.
Presuming the standard is 32mm, is the crank too worn?


Also, if the key was installed correctly (for aguments sake), and the bolt was the first component to fail, could the pulley come forward enough without slipping off the crank, to allow the key to come out and be pushed back into the timing case?

I'm just trying to cover any stories the mechanics may come up with.

[macca81]

how does the key get back into the case tho? there is no provision for this to happen is there?

[HotFourOk]

how does the key get back into the case tho? there is no provision for this to happen is there?

There is a small gap between the timing case cover and the cog on the crankshaft, which I'm sure it could fall between.

[V8Patrol]

how does the key get back into the case tho? there is no provision for this to happen is there?

Quite often the key is pushed out of the keyway when the harmonic balancer is being installed..... usually because the alignment isnt correct to begin with or corrosion or other mateing surfaces arent clean enough to provide a smooth 'slipover'.

Also some cranks dont have the keyway in the upright position when the engine is at TDC, when re-building these engines the key will often fall out due to gravity.

My guess in this case would be that the harmonic pushed the key out of the keyway and in doing so the direction of force would have been towards the Timing cover.

The only other option ( dont laugh cause I've seen this done ! )
The 'mechanic' didnt know where it went so he just dropped it into the sump !!
Dont laugh.................... it happens





Youd be shocked at the 'mechanicle' things I've found in sumps over the years


My favourite's.....

The 5/16th allen key in the inlet manifold, (202 holden)

Various sockets in the sump ( usually 1/2", 9/16, or 5/8" )

A couple of square drive addaptors ( fits between some tension wrenches and the socket)

A used but complete single row timing chain ( 253 holden V8 )

The usual circlips / keyway keys / nuts & the odd rag

but the best......

a 'Sidchrome' breaker bar complete with 5/8th socket & a 2" extension
( Nissan SD33 )




Kingy

[mkpatrol]

a 'Sidchrome' breaker bar complete with 5/8th socket & a 2" extension
( Nissan SD33 )




Kingy

So you got it back then

[high n mighty]

Looks like it's time to make some phone calls Nick

[RUFF]

Put it this way there is absolutly no way on earth that Keyway fell out driving down the road. It doesnt matter how they farked up and the keyway ended up where it was found. But the fact is it was never in the crank shaft when you took delivery of the vehicle after they had the ballancer off. So it is on them.

[HotFourOk]

Put it this way there is absolutly no way on earth that Keyway fell out driving down the road. It doesnt matter how they farked up and the keyway ended up where it was found. But the fact is it was never in the crank shaft when you took delivery of the vehicle after they had the ballancer off. So it is on them.

Cheers for that Tony, I'll go to try and start sorting it out.

[MightyMouse]

It certainly does sound like poor workmanship to me...

BUT - have a long think about how much effort your going to put into resolving this. Forget "Justice" think Law.

I hope I'm wrong, I hope the mechanic says "yep my fault - I'll fix it" but in reality the system will work for him as it's you that has to push the case, all he has to do is sit back wait and watch.

The process isn't going to be easy, your going to get the runaround from the "mechanic", you will in all probability need some legal help, your going to have to take it to small claims or court and its going to take forever.

Your going to be angry, frustrated, out of pocket and in spite of all your evidence still might loose and then you bear the legal costs, not only yours but his.

[high n mighty]

It certainly does sound like poor workmanship to me...

BUT - have a long think about how much effort your going to put into resolving this. Forget "Justice" think Law.

I hope I'm wrong, I hope the mechanic says "yep my fault - I'll fix it" but in reality the system will work for him as it's you that has to push the case, all he has to do is sit back wait and watch.

The process isn't going to be easy, your going to get the runaround from the "mechanic", you will in all probability need some legal help, your going to have to take it to small claims or court and its going to take forever.

Your going to be angry, frustrated, out of pocket and in spite of all your evidence still might loose and then you bear the legal costs, not only yours but his.

It may be different down your way but it is a free service here and is very simple if you can keep up with the paper work.

[MightyMouse]

That's good to hear, and I hope it works out.

I had a bad experience a few years ago with a front end alignment that turned into an engine damaging joyride....

The end result was "take it to court" which I couldn't afford - all the other avenues of help only gave "advice" ......