Crankshaft Sprocket Installation Question

[Damon]

I bought a 91 Talon Tsi last week end. Started to drive it home and got about 50 miles from the place where I bought it when it threw the alternator belt. To make a long story short, I trailored the car home and tore into it and found out that the crankshaft sprocket is sticking out about 1/2 to far. The guy I bought the car off of rebuilt the motor about 1600 miles ago and must not have ever had it on completly. My question is, how to get the sprocket on the rest of the way. I have searched through the forums here and found lots of questions about how to get it off using the special tool, but no suggestions on how to install it properly. Is this sprocket suppost to press onto the crankshaft or slip on? If is just slips on, is there a keyway that needs to be lined up or what keeps the sprocket from spinning on the crankshaft? I have tried pressing it on further by tightening the center bolt but it does not seem to be moving. Any suggestions or tips would be very helpful to a newbie.

 

[kalla]

It *should* just slide on, and the harmonic balancer slips on over it and bolts up.

 

[blue92laser]

I had the same problem, I solved it by noticing that the key wasnt all the way down in the slot...I took a very long screwdriver (thanks, snap on!) and between the side of the engine bay and the motor...pushed down on the key...I heard it go pop and then it slid right on the rest of the way, with a tap of a tac hammer. Let me know what you find out.

 

[Damon]

If it just "slides" on what keeps the sprocket from slipping on the crankshaft?

 

[diambo4life]

If it just "slides" on what keeps the sprocket from slipping on the crankshaft?

There is a notch on the crankshaft where the sprocket "slides on" and keeps it in place so that it doesn't spin. If you actually look at the inner surface of the sprocket, it has the groove where it slides onto the said notch.

 

[kalla]

There is a pretty big notch on the end of the crankshaft that aligns the crankshaft sprocket and harmonic balancer, but both of them slide right on once you line up the notch and the slit on the side of the sprocket. I'm sorry I wasn't more descriptive.

There shouldn't be any reason that the sprocket doesn't go on "the rest of the way", it should slide all the way on and sit on top of the balance shaft sprocket. Now if the guy didn't put the balance shaft sprocket on right (hard to mess up, but you never know) you might have a problem. The best fix of course will be to pull everything off and make sure it's assembled correctly. As always, the shop manual is your friend here.

 

[Damon]

I did check to see if the inside sprocket was on correctly, and it was. Also the flange that goes between both the sprocket was on correct. Last night I did look for a keyway on the shaft and sprocket and did not see one. I will double check tonight, maybe I overlooked it. I will let you know what I find and thanks for all the help.

 

[Damon]

Took a second look at it last night and relized I was an idiot. The keyway in the sprocket was not lined up with the key in the crankshaft. I did not notice this because the washer was stuck in the middle of the sprocket. I soon as I relized this and removed it, I saw the keyway. Got it back together, and now a whole new slew of problems. Won't idle once warmed up, no power steering, fluid spray on the inside of the engine bay and it is smoking. I believe there is a leak in the power steering pump/line and is is getting on the manifold and creating the smoke. This still does not explain the idle problem though. Anyways I am going to take it to a shop and see what they can find. Thanks everyone for your help and input. I recieved very good help with the first problem I have had. Love the website!!!