Woodruff Key

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spiderg
Posts: 121
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 8:43 pm
Location: Ayrshire

Woodruff Key

Post by spiderg »

I'm stripping down two 40+ engines to the bare bones. Can someone or some people tell me the safest way to remove the Woodruff Key so I can give the flywheel workings a refurb with the baseplate off.

Gerard
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Oyster 49
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Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2010 6:55 pm
Location: Derbyshire, UK

Re: Woodruff Key

Post by Oyster 49 »

They can get a bit stuck, on one of my engines I had to drill into the key and implode it very carefully until it came out. I would suggest some gentle heat, followed by cooling. Repeat a few times. Then carefully tap one end with a small flat screwdriver to see it it moves. If you are careful :o it will eventually give up
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spiderg
Posts: 121
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 8:43 pm
Location: Ayrshire

Re: Woodruff Key

Post by spiderg »

Cheers! Sounds a bit tricky, even dangers lurking, using heat so near to the wiring. I would normally say at this point it's best to leave well alone but I need to see if the crankshaft on one has bent. :lol:
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Oyster 49
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Location: Derbyshire, UK

Re: Woodruff Key

Post by Oyster 49 »

I forgot to mention I filed the key down to remove the backplate first, then tried gentle hot and cold cycles a few times before trying to tap the key. Once it moves a little you can prise it out.
DeadeyeDick
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Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2017 7:01 pm
Location: Worcestershire

Re: Woodruff Key

Post by DeadeyeDick »

My baseplate comes off without having to remove the key. Only need to remove it when splitting the crankcase.
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Charles uk
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Location: Maidenhead Berks UK

Re: Woodruff Key

Post by Charles uk »

I use a cheap flat bladed jewelers screwdriver like a chisel underneath the key next to the crank.
Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot.
Donald A
Posts: 88
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 6:08 pm
Location: UK

Re: Woodruff Key

Post by Donald A »

I managed it by fixing (tightly, as I was putting in a new one anyway) mole grips on it then putting a small steel sheet underneath to give a surface for the mole grip head to lever on without damaging the crankshaft - rather like a claw hammer removing a nail has something put under the claw to stop damaging the work
Donald
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Oyster 49
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Location: Derbyshire, UK

Re: Woodruff Key

Post by Oyster 49 »

Always good to hear of success! 8)
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