383 crank mystery. Missing locator? HELP!

[67charger383]

New crankshaft

Old crankshaft

Gear drive gear

 

[pnora]

What is the problem?

 

[67charger383]

What is the problem?

The rectangle locator on the crank is just GONE. Never noticed this and now I have a new machined crank installed. I don’t know how I am supposed to be able to install the timing gear/damper without the locator.

Looks like it’s just pressed in, should I try swapping it from the old crank to the new crank???

 

[67charger383]

Take it back to where yo got it or it's machine shop time.

And what would I have a machine shop do?

 

[67charger383]

Think it’s this piece

 

[Don Frelier]

You should be able to transfer the keyway.
That crank looks rusty for a newly machined piece.

 

[67charger383]

You should be able to transfer the keyway.
That crank looks rusty for a newly machined piece.

I bought it as a full balanced rotating assembly from a old racer. It came out of one of his cars and he had it machined and balanced but he never installed it. It was sealed in bags from the machine shop but sat for 20+ years. Journals are good.

 

[Fran Blacker]

And what would I have a machine shop do?

That was a wrong answer.Pop the key out ot old crank and put in new crank.

 

[Tony Tee]

You mean the woodruff key? Or as one of my friends call it, the Woodrow key LOL!

 

[Fran Blacker]

The rod journals look OK if mains were like that good to go. Hope you cleaned everything thoroughly.

 

[Fran Blacker]

You mean the woodruff key? Or as one of my friends call it, the Woodrow key LOL!

Oh you nit picker.

 

[ruffcut]

Woodruff key and it goes in the keyway. Just swap it from old to new crankshaft! ruffcut

 

[Dajkzo]

Woodruff Key - New-440 Source or DODGE Pioneer Automotive 839010 Pioneer Shaft Keys | Summit Racing

It should be a snug fit.

 

[Beekeeper]

Yes it is a very snug fit be careful to not damage it when removing it.

 

[Cranky]

Yup, the factory keys were very snug and it takes some finessing to get them out without damaging them once they have been in a crank for 50 years. I think someone offers new keys. Might try Mancini.....

 

[RJRENTON]

You mean the woodruff key? Or as one of my friends call it, the Woodrow key LOL!

IMO....YES, the locating device is called a Woodruff key and the slot in crankshaft is called a "feather way" or key slot. IF the slot were milled the entire length, it would be called a keyway......
BOB RENTON

 

[Cranky]

IMO....YES, the locating device is called a Woodruff key and the slot in crankshaft is called a "feather way" or key slot. IF the slot were milled the entire length, it would be called a keyway......
BOB RENTON

First I've heard of that lol. Not saying it ain't true but wouldn't a woodruff key fit into a woodruff slot? I know engineers have a different terminology for dang near everything than what 'regular' machinists do....

 

[diesel_lv]

First I've heard of that lol. Not saying it ain't true but wouldn't a woodruff key fit into a woodruff slot? I know engineers have a different terminology for dang near everything than what 'regular' machinists do....

Engineers put starters under intake manifolds or inside bellhousings.

 

[Cranky]

Engineers put starters under intake manifolds or inside bellhousings.

I know!!

 

[Big Bad Dad]

Woodruff key. When I worked in a engine shop many years ago, we would pop them out and give to the customer or tape them to the work order so they didn't get lost during the machine work process. Popped back in if we assembled the engine. No major problem as long as you can find one.