1993 honda accord LX, having trouble installing the crankshaft sprocket back on with key



I admit I had a problem taking it off. I had to use an extension over the key. And lightly tap on it with a hammer. And it slid right off easily (not the first time, because I didn't notice). I could take the key off really easily, and the sprocket slid off really easily.

So imagine my confusion when I go to install it. I put the key on first. And then I put the sprocket back on, and it just doesn't slide easily. I thought it was the key. So I tried it without the key, and it had the same effect. I try to push up and down with my hands.

So now I get some advice, just use a wooden hammer. I don't have one. About the third or fourth tool I don't have. So when I go to buy a tool, it doesn't work anyway.

Anyway, I try to use a block of wood. Unfortunately, I only have long pieces of wood. That did help, I did get it on there somewhat. It's moving on there with the key. But the sprocket is now more flush with the shaft. So I can't smack it on there with full force because the shaft is in the way. I have to pick a side. But my confusion, does the key have to be perfectly flush with where it sits? Because even if I do manage to get it on there, I think the key is pushed in there just a tad. What's unreal about this job, I paid for a timing belt video. The 1997 Accord is completely different. It's kind of useless. Although it does have tips. Anyway, he just first puts the key on, and he just, with ease and with his hands, slides the sprocket on there like it's nothing. Maybe it's just my luck when it comes to cars, I just get stuck on the silly stuff?

But anyway, how perfectly aligned does that key have to be? Is there any tips on this? Maybe I should go get a puller and pull the whole thing off. And maybe try to install without the key. And then put the key in there the way I want?

 

Both sprockets should slide right on and off. Find out why.

 

I don't know why. But I do know I got the camshaft sprocket off and on easier. My main concern is the key. Because at this point, I have crankshaft sprocket half way on. I need to know if I can get it on all the way. Is the key going to be flush the way it was before I took it off. Otherwise, I need a special tool maybe to pull it off and take the key off. Then leave the key out. And then when it is fully installed I can put the key where I want it.

 

Any help with this guys? I got a new key, hoping I can get the key out again. I don't see any puller that you can rent out at a local auto parts store. It's not positioned correctly. I have heard that it will damage the keyway? The only way to get a new key is to take it off first? How do I get it so the key is flush? The goal is to have the pulley and the crank be very snug. The key was not positioned forward enough. I tried making it flush on the bottom. Made some mistakes. What should I do?

 

Bump. I need some help with this. Anyone have this engine layout? I really don't want to take a risk on damaging the key way. What's the best method to pop out the key without damaging it and position it right? So everything is snug to prevent future damage to the key way?

 

Post some pictures, because right now you sound like you're trying to force the square peg through the round hole.

 

I'll see what I can do. But I'm curious about this little problem. Because I already made a mistake that I don't want to make worse.

This is what someone told me:

"If the key doesn't fit snug in all directions it can work it's way loose. You hammered it down into place but what will keep it from coming back up once you have the car running again? If there is any play in it, left, right, top, bottom, you are eventually going to damage the keyway in the crank and then it's only a matter of time before the crank cancer starts.

If this were my car I would start by removing the sprocket, replacing the key with a new one and starting over with the key properly installed."

Is the key meant to be taken out and just replaced without removing that sprocket? And if so can I extract the key without damaging the keyway? Are you saying even if I get the key out? I can not force the new key into it? Let me get some pictures. I already ruined the key.

 

Your friend is talking out of his @$$. The key is just there to keep the sprocket from spinning on the crank. It drops in one way and sits there, that's all(before the sprocket). It's not going to bounce around because the sprocket will always be pushing on it from one direction and doesn't have any room to move anyway. The crank bolt or crank pulley will keep it from backing out. You might be able to remove a loose key with a magnet without removing the sprocket but you're not meant to.



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Alright, I couldn't pull out the key. I could pry the key up with a small flat head. That's about it. I had to get the sprocket out before I could get the key out.
But I did manage to get the sprocket out. I used penetrating oil the night before and sprayed under the sprocket. Then I took a 24 inch pry bar, and pushed behind the metal plate. At first it wouldn't pop out. But then when I aimed my heat gun on it. I pulled out. I got it out.

I want to first put the sprocket on then tap the key in but
The only thing is I heard from another guy that said this:
Saying he didn't have much luck putting the key in after it was installed.

So I'm assuming or hoping that if I do get it in with the key. I hope this time it's pushed more snug (more flush) in it's original position when I go to install it.

 

Jeebus Murphy, you ARE trying to put the square peg through the round hole. The key goes on before the sprocket and the sprocket should slide on without any resistance.

 

I understand that. I don't know why there is resistance. As I told you many times, I don't know why. That's how I originally did it at first. I put the key in first (I had to hammer the sprocket in with a piece of wood because of resistance). But the square peg or key got pushed in further in the round hole than it should have, thus losing its original position.

I'll try it again, hoping it will stay in the position it should stay in.

Edit:
I have it installed correctly. The key was not supposed to be pushed forward into the crank sprocket (It got stuck). In fact, it's supposed to be hanging out a tad from the shaft. It is meant to be taken in and out, even with the sprocket installed. You can slide it out. If you watch some other videos, that is the case.

Using penetrating oil and a heat gun. I could easily push the sprocket back and forth, thus preventing it from not even having a chance of it getting stuck. I could have prevented this mistake by not excessively hitting it with a hammer and making it get stuck.