Woodruff Key Behind Harmonic Balancer

JSHUGHES00

MEMBER
1998 HONDA ACCORD
2.3L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC

Okay, I am changing out my harmonic balancer due to it falling off and acquiring damage. I went to Honda and bought new genuine Honda parts. When I took the old woodruff key out of the slot on the crank and tried to put the brand new on in, it did not go all the way in. I tried to put the old one back in and it will only go back so far just like the new one. It sits about a half inch out and I cant install the harmonic balancer properly.

5 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check to make sure the woodruff key I sin all the way sometimes they go down in front but not all the way. Also do not use silicone in harmonic balancer slot use like plumbers goo or Loctite it's white.

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Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 AT 6:59 AM

JSHUGHES00

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3 POSTS

The problem is that the woodruff key wont go all the way in. No matter what I try, it sticks out way to far. I tried to insert the new woodruff key immediately after removing the old one. They are exact same size. What reason would it not be able to go in properly

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Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 AT 8:06 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

The upper edges may be damaged a tad, if you can try filing a little bit on each side and feel for burrs you should be able to feel them with your finger if you can reach inside there. Sometimes that does it and then use something small to clean the hole out make sure there is nor foreign objects in it.

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Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 AT 10:14 AM

STYLE

MEMBER
1 POST

I ma having the same problem with my honda accord 1999 ex, the key wouldn't go all the way in and it would only go half way. I was wondering if you found a way or found out whats wrong with yours maybe it help me with mine.

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Tuesday, January 26th, 2016 AT 10:49 AM

JSHUGHES00

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes I did, I had to take down the timing cover and actually turn the pulley that is behind the cover for the hole to be correctly lined up. It's 2 parts that the woodruff key has to go through. Remember to check the timing because you may have to take a belt off. It's simple.