Stubborn Woodruff Key

[Rick Wall]

I am in the process of dismantling my 1962 Normal engine. I have removed the fan belt/crankshaft pulley successfully, but the woodruff key won't budge. I have tried to tap the end with a screwdriver and hammer, but concerned about using too much force. This seems like a simple task. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rick

[Gary Cox]

Always works for me...

Use diagonal wire cutters. Place flat side of pliers along the surface of the crankshaft, grasp the woodruff key with the tip of the cutters (don't have to squeeze hard) and pry the key upward. Hope that comes across clearly.

[David Jones]

Small thin vice grips then tap with hammer or a flat punch and hit one end and the other end should pop up.

[Martin Benade]

That is one of those tricky situations where you may need to use a fair amount of force. Then it will either jump out nicely, or become lodged in even worse. Usually it will come out.

[Dick Weiss]

Tap the forward end of the key downward w/a small punch so the rear end rises--that'll allow the punch to knock it forward to rock it up and out. After removal, you could rub the key's sides on a fine stone to remove any burrs so it'll fit snuggly, but not that tight.

[Greg Bryan]

I also use the wire cutter technique - works every time with minimal effort.

[Rick Wall]

Thanks all for your suggestions. I will have a chance to try them today. The key currently doesn't sit level in the slot, so the end facing away from the engine sits very low above the crankshaft.

[Rick Wall]

Success! I tried all the suggestions, but tapping harder with a punch, a bit upwards on the end of the key finally forced it out. Thanks again for everyone's reply to a small problem.

[Brad Ripley]

I can suggest you be sure both of those woodruff keys are originals and not domestic parts someone ground to fit. The large one at the timing gear is a Porsche only part (901-102-147-00). The smaller one for the pulley is a normal metric part, DIN 6888, 6 x 9 (N-012-709-1). They don't cost much; buy new ones to be sure.

[Jim Liberty]

Always pay attention to "Maestro" Ripley. ..........Jim.

[Rick Wall]

Brad, thanks for the info on the keys. The pulley key I removed looked to be correct, but I will replace them anyways.