Replacing Flywheel key

[hondarider188]

the woodruff key on my 1960 Johnson 18 has completely sheared off, I have a new key to put in but I cant get the old one out. it has almost rounded with the crankshaft and I have been trying to tap it out with a hammer and small screw drivers and picks but I cant get it to come out. any suggestions?

 

[kbait]

Dremel tool w/cutoff wheel? Just start cutting lengthwise in the center of the broken key.. cut a bit, try tapping out, cut more, etc. You'll be fine if you don't cut into the sides of the keyway.

Good luck!

 

[hondarider188]

ok but it just makes me nervous cutting that close to the crankshaft but i'll give it a try. one thing i thought about would be to heat it with a torch but i think it may warp the crank or even cut into it a little.

 

[Chris1956]

I use a small sharp chistle to drive it out. It should be 1/2 round, so drive it down from the top.