Hey, all.

I've got a '92 VX that's been my daily driver for 10+ years (it's the second VX I've owned.) The engine is original, with 180K miles, though the head was replaced at about 90K miles.

So here's the issue: The engine itself has been running fine, but the main crankshaft pulley (NOT the timing belt pulley) just stripped out -- the key sheared off and and tore up the end of the crankshaft.

So basically, as far as I can see, the whole crankshaft would have to be replaced. I'm told that on this model of Civic, this can be done by removing the oilpan, without tearing down the entire engine, but it's more than I want to take on, so I'd be paying a mechanic friend to do it.

What I'm trying to decide is... would I be better off, if I decide to fix it, to simply find another used D15Z1 engine and swap it out, or would I be better to replace the crank? And if I do replace the crank... should I go ahead and replace the rod bearings and so forth? Where do I draw the line between fixing the problem and rebuilding the entire engine?

My concerns with a used engine is not knowing what I'm getting, and I've also heard some horror stories about buying rebuilt engines, so really I just need suggestions and advice.

Any input appreciated!

 

Post pics.

 

if you want a quick, cheap fix, slap another d series in there and call it done. throwing a used crank in it with some bearings is probably not the best of ideas, you're venturing into machine work time territory.

 

find a spare vx engine and have that dropped in

 

Get another crank pulley and a new key, put it on, grind down a finishing nail or something similar to jam in between the key and the crank pulley where the keyway is damaged, cut this to length and tap it in. Put some green loctite (shaft and bearing mount) on the crank pulley bolt and crank it in with a good 1/2" impact as tight as you can get it. Keep driving it until it comes off again.