Crankshaft woodruff key

[eiclynes76]

1993 Ranger 2wd 2.3 5 speed

While attempting to diagnose a no-start, I noticed that the timing marks were incorrect... so I pulled everything apart and noticed that the crankshaft timing gear was on backward, and could spin pretty freely around the crankshaft... Something tells me that is the problem.... The key has been sheared off.
Can the key in the crankshaft be replaced? I tried for a couple of seconds, but was a lil cranky and gave up... it doesn't look like it's a woodruff key to me, which would mean I need a crankshaft (with a new truck wrapped around it).
Thanks for your help!

 

[Mark_88]

Definitely a replaceable item...I tried searching a parts supplier for one but could not find the part number anywhere...I'm sure you will find one...they have the gears on that site (Mr Gasket) but no woodruff key for the 2.3...

 

[Dav]

sheared my balancer key a few months back. 95 2.3 ford had the part (call ahead- took me two dealers to find it) it cost under $3. i think but am not sure that the groove for the key continues under the timing gear which would mean it does not have a woodruff key. cant look on my parts truck 'cause we are battened down for hurricane irma

 

[eiclynes76]

Here is a pic... It does go under the timing gear. I am going to try and remove it today, but I'm not sure how to get it to free itself. I may try a heat gun or try to drill a spot to tap into it... if that doesn't work, I'll probably have to buy a torch.

 

[Mark_88]

Try tapping it with a punch if you have one handy...probably won't take much to free it...

Those shafts are sealed and don't usually get downward or upwards pressure so avoid that at all costs...or you may need to replace the seal(s) later...

 

[eiclynes76]

That's a good idea! Maybe I'll look into replacing that seal while I'm in there... IF I ever get the key out... It's still being very stubborn!
I know I need to replace the crankshaft timing gear, as well as the timing belt and tensioner. If I get the key out, I'll also end up replacing the water pump & servicing the cooling system.

Again, Thanks for everyone's help/input!

Well,.... Ive tried heat, center punches, drill bits, penetrating oil, more heat.... more drilling.... I;m not convinced it is gunna come out... although it has to come out to replace the seal..... what a pain in the butt! I'm 100% sure the truck will run if i replace the key & gear... but it looks like I may end up scrapping it!.... whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

 

[chvlfrk]

Ummm.....

Definitely a replaceable item...I tried searching a parts supplier for one but could not find the part number anywhere...I'm sure you will find one...they have the gears on that site (Mr Gasket) but no woodruff key for the 2.3...

==================
Are those a flat square or half-moon key?

Last thing I would do is heat the crank, wouldn't think that would be good for seal. Should be able to whoap it with a punch or get under it with a small screw driver.

 

[eiclynes76]

I GOT IT OUT!!!!! 6 hours later!!!!

It is (was) what I would call half moon... I ended up having to drill into it pretty deep and smack the snot out of it with a heavy hammer and 2 punches (broke the first one).... That sucker was in there HARD!
Thanks for the concern about my seals. I'll be replacing the crank seal when I get a new timing gear and key.... I don't want to think about that area for awhile. I'm also going to replace the water pump while I'm in the area. The old one looks iffy and has a lil more play than I'd like.

 

[Mark_88]

Good work!

I had another look at the pics you posted and was about to say that piece that was in there looked like it was meant to be there...been a long time since I removed a crank gear so my memory was fuzzy as to where the woodruff key went and I was too lazy to search for a diagram...

Anyway...it would be a good time to replace things on a high mileage engine...as long as you don't need it right away and can have it down for the duration...

 

[eiclynes76]

We actually had already written this truck off... I also have a '97 standard cab with it's own set of issues... I'm going to get this one straitened out as far as all maintenance, and let my wife drive it... Then get the '97 running correctly to sell it and get a bigger truck.

 

[scotts90ranger]

To change the seal, take the front seal housing off the engine or you risk warping the housing, it's like 6 bolts and some silicone... the housing has supports on the back to drive a new seal in on a flat surface, and it's much easier to take the old seal out from the back...

I feel your pain on that area of the block... when I redid my engine last year I needed to get my spare crankshaft out of the spare engine which had the timing pulley rusted in place. It took a lot of propane, a lot of PB blaster, cussing and a couple days to get that dang thing out, then I had to get that key out which took work too... luckily I knew it was a half moon key and the engine was out...

 

[Bullitt5253]

Definitely a replaceable item...I tried searching a parts supplier for one but could not find the part number anywhere...I'm sure you will find one...they have the gears on that site (Mr Gasket) but no woodruff key for the 2.3...

My name is Robert. I actually found a Ford part number. It would be F1ZZ6B316A