Tips for Re-Installing a Flywheel?

[draggindakota]

I can't get this d*%$%*@#$! woodruff key to stay put on my 85 horse. The last time I had the flywheel off it wasn't that bad to get it back on but I tried for an hour last night and finally just gave up before I started looking for matches. I made sure the groove was clean, the key was clean, tried a dab of grease to hold it in...nothing. Every time it slips out.

 

[flyingscott]

Is this a factory key? They usually fit pretty tight in the slot.

 

[draggindakota]

I'm assuming so, but you know how that goes. It's the key that was in it when I first pulled the flywheel to re-glue the magnets last year in any case. It fits tightly in the flywheel. A little less so in the crank, but not enough to cause any noticeable movement.

I have 2 parts motors here, so I might try to pull the flywheel and try the key from one of those.

 

[racerone]

On many motors the flywheel key is to position the flywheel for correct timing.-----The flywheel is driven by the locking tapers.-------So start over and use some valve grinding compound to lap ( match ) the tapers.----Clean the compound off the tapers.----Use some 5 minute epoxy to put the key in place.----Assemble with tapers CLEAN and DRY.-----DO NOT USE ANY GREASE !

 

[jerryjerry05]

A spot of superglue?

 

[draggindakota]

A spot of superglue?

Yep, that did the trick. Slipped right on.

 

[Redbarron%%]

As an old Scottish Maintenance Engineer once told me about tapered fits (this was on an Alfa Romeo steering wheel) that was dealing me fits.
He said, "Just a we drop of oil and she'll neverrrrrr come off"