420A 98-420A Tips and tricks getting to the crankshaft sprocket keyway key without damaging a fresh from the shop block, and head?

[Harleyoi]

As the title states I have my engine built on the stand looking so beautiful... However I may have gotten ahead of myself putting it all back together.

Now I'm second guessing myself, I'm thinking the keyway key slide out, and is not seated correctly. I worry it may jump out, so I need to get through the timing to get to that sprocket. I fought the timing like crazy as I didn't have an oil pump with timing marks on it. But now I need to remove the timing belt to get to the sprocket so I can pull it, and re-seat it.

Any tips on removing the timing without damaging anything would be extremely helpful.

Super grateful for this site, as I've had a ton of help from awesome people along the way. Thank you.

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[aboomin]

Im new into DSM community so take my info with a grain of salt, but you should be fine with just loosening the bolts thats hold the tensioner in (hydraulic tensioner). Id recommend switching to mechanical tensioner especially if you plan on running boost. but if u have mechanical tensioner u can do the same as well. Thats what I did personally good luck!

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Removing the crankshaft sprocket can be a pain. I've never had it easy. You'll want a puller like I've pictured below. I keep one at home for these types of sprockets & pulleys with 3 threaded holes. Since you haven't run the engine and the sprocket hasn't been through heat cycles, I would think it'll come off a bit easier than normal. Occasionally it requires such pressure that you'll pull the threads right out of the sprocket, in that case just re-tap to one size larger bolt.

Also, I'm not really sure how you could have incorrectly seated this key. It is either a woodruff key or a square key, which fits tightly and is hard to improperly install. I would like to see a picture of what you're describing. It might be that you could just leave the sprocket alone. If it is a square key (I think I remember that being the case), you can just remove the harmonic balancer and use a small blunt edge with hammer to tap it fully into place. Just careful not to bend anything.

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worry it may jump out,

This couldn't happen. The harmonic balancer butts up to the crankshaft sprocket, so would not allow the key to come out.

One more recommendation I have is to set TDC and make yourself a timing mark on the oil pump BEFORE removing your timing belt. This will save you the trouble you originally had.

 

[Harleyoi]

Removing the crankshaft sprocket can be a pain. I've never had it easy. You'll want a puller like I've pictured below. I keep one at home for these types of sprockets & pulleys with 3 threaded holes. Since you haven't run the engine and the sprocket hasn't been through heat cycles, I would think it'll come off a bit easier than normal. Occasionally it requires such pressure that you'll pull the threads right out of the sprocket, in that case just re-tap to one size larger bolt.

Also, I'm not really sure how you could have incorrectly seated this key. It is either a woodruff key or a square key, which fits tightly and is hard to improperly install. I would like to see a picture of what you're describing. It might be that you could just leave the sprocket alone. If it is a square key (I think I remember that being the case), you can just remove the harmonic balancer and use a small blunt edge with hammer to tap it fully into place. Just careful not to bend anything.

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This couldn't happen. The harmonic balancer butts up to the crankshaft sprocket, so would not allow the key to come out.

One more recommendation I have is to set TDC and make yourself a timing mark on the oil pump BEFORE removing your timing belt. This will save you the trouble you originally had.

Its a square key style is what it called for (however the slot is like a half circle) I have the square one, and what I did not do was just a hammer to seat it into place. And before I drove the crankshaft sproket all the way home I swear it appeared like it was coming out/not seated like it should be.

Yup, definitely looks like its coming apart. Thank you for the solid info. I hope that sproket comes off easily.

One more question, should I set the crankshaft and cams so they are timed correctly to not damage the valves?

 

[Harleyoi]

Im new into DSM community so take my info with a grain of salt, but you should be fine with just loosening the bolts thats hold the tensioner in (hydraulic tensioner). Id recommend switching to mechanical tensioner especially if you plan on running boost. but if u have mechanical tensioner u can do the same as well. Thats what I did personally good luck!

Sweet man, thank you for your time to respond. I'm a super newb, having fun learning about it though!

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

One more question, should I set the crankshaft and cams so they are timed correctly to not damage the valves?

Yes. Always set TDC before removing the timing belt. And make a mark on the oil pump so future timing is easier. You can remove #1 spark plug to ensure it isn't 180 degrees out.

 

[Harleyoi]

Yes. Always set TDC before removing the timing belt. And make a mark on the oil pump so future timing is easier. You can remove #1 spark plug to ensure it isn't 180 degrees out.

Fantastic ! I really appreciate the help.

I've got one more question if you don't mind. Is it possible to cause damage to any part of the head or my pistons removing the crankshaft shaft sprocket? I'm wondering if I should remove the head, and start completely over. I would like to leave the head on though.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Fantastic ! I really appreciate the help.

I've got one more question if you don't mind. Is it possible to cause damage to any part of the head or my pistons removing the crankshaft shaft sprocket? I'm wondering if I should remove the head, and start completely over. I would like to leave the head on though.

There shouldn't be a reason to remove the cylinder head for this job.

 

[Harleyoi]

There shouldn't be a reason to remove the cylinder head for this job.

Ok, so I got down to the sproker, and can see the key way key. I am satisfied that its in there correctly, as I can see it right there. Thanks again for your help!

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[BLACK'98DSM]

Apply a small amount of grease to the end of the crankshaft where the harmonic balancer goes. It will not only make installation easier, but prevent seizing from rust and easier removal in the future.

 

[Harleyoi]

Thats great!