Morris Minor Owners Club

hi guys,

was trying to finish off fitting my duplex timing chain kit just now, and the crankshaft gear wheel didn't want to go on to its shaft once the woodruff key was in place. A piece of the gear just shattered clean away, like a chunk out of the edge.

Anyone else had this happen?

wibble

Yes. The answer is in lining it and the cam gear up absolutely precisely, then they push on with finger pressure only. Don't use a hammer (or a bigger hammer) as it always breaks them.

cheers BG. This fella SOwasn't going on with finger pressure only! Must have been the woodruff key.

Well, lesson learned and all that. At least ESM have replacements in stock atm.

It will have been - it can be a hell of a fiddle, but don't force it until it's right.

PS I hate them as much as I hate split pins...

bigginger wrote:PS I hate them as much as I hate split pins...

they do seem to be a major design flaw! not just in Minors but used in lots of cars.... there must be a better way

A grub screw arrangement springs to mind
a

It has to take the not inconsiderable driving force of turning the camshaft with 8 valve springs pressing on it, and the oil pump. A key is the only reasonable way - although of course a splined shaft would be better. A grub screw wouldn't last two minutes. the gear should be a good press fit - try it first with no key fitted to make sure no burrs etc - then install the key and it should still slide on easily.

bmcecosse wrote: the gear should be a good press fit - try it first with no key fitted to make sure no burrs etc - then install the key and it should still slide on easily.

Yeah it went on absolutely beautifully without the key there - had it on and off a few times installing the shims behind it (checking there were the right number to align the gear teeth correctly). Then - woodruff key - madness!!

Ah well - pity you didn't stop when it became tight. The key can easily move in the slot and become wedged under the rear edge of the gear - just where you can't see it!!

i think that must have been exactly what happened, judging from what I saw when I managed to lever the gear wheel off again...

See other post - Minsport have the key for 81p. http://www.minisport.com/acatalog/Mini_Crankshafts.html

blimey! what on earth causes the vast difference in cost between suppliers? Is one made to higher spec than the other?

bigginger wrote: PS I hate them as much as I hate split pins...

I always used to hate split pins, especially ones on hydraulic master cylinders, buried behind dashboards.

Then I had to do the clutch cable on my Metro. I have a new hatred.

Lovely to put in, not so good when you're removing ones that have been in and exposed to road muck for 40 odd years

bigginger wrote:A grub screw arrangement springs to mind
a

Until you want to remove one thats been on for 50 years..................Woodruff keys are much better. I have a small collection of stationary engines, many of them have their flywheels held on by a taper key and a corresponding grub screw, they are an absolute pig to remove! However, one engine (an Armstrong-Siddeley) has a woodruff and taper arrangement, all you do is screw in the correct puller to the flywheel and off it comes, the flywheel on my engine had been on there for 45 years outside in all elements and it came off no trouble.