Car : 92 Acura Integra GS
Problem : While trying to install some Buddy Club cam gears, I dropped the key wedge which keeps the cam gear in place on the cam shaft. Im rather certain it dropped into the Timing cover and it seems that I need to take the underdrive pulley off to remove the cover. Now im wondering if there's any tips to getting that f'ing underdrive pulley off? I tried tightening the power steering belt to hold the underdrive pulley from moving as I turned the crank bolt but the damn tensioner on the power steering belt broke. I also tried using a chain wrench to hold the pulley but I was scared it might chip chunks of the power steering belt gear off the crank pulley. So please your honda-heroes give me the needed knowledge to get that damn car off jacks and back on the road. Aim me @ Holyhell116 asap or msg me here, or if need be email me @ imsoslow116@yahoo.com. TAI - Darrell

 

it's called the crankshaft pulley bolt.
you can get it off using a neumatic impact wrench.
if you dont have access to one, you can use a crankshaft pulley holder tool. they are kinda expensive though and pointless after you use it once.

best method without air tool or special tools imo is:
take the flywheel cover off
get a hex bit, like a bit for a drill
find a location between the flywheel teeth and the transmission case where you can wedge the hexbit.
rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise until the bit is jammed
use at least a 1/2 inch breakerbar and extensions, anything smaller will snap
use the extensions to clear the car -- this is for leverage
prop the extensions up with something underneath so it doesnt bend downward when you turn the breaker bar
stick a 4ft+ cheater bar onto the breaker bar and turn it with your weight
if you are lucky the bolt will come off

hth

 

Ah, you are wise like Yoda! Thanks, since it's just too much work to drop the tranny case and all that, I think I'll rent a compressor and impact wrench or try to come up with one. If not, could I just find a dealer or junk yard and buy a key wedge? Then slide it in, set the timing and all that mess and then go on with life, or should I be worried about that key wedge destroying the timing belt somehow? Just being cautious due to the fact the car is a friends. He seems to understand this isn't my fault since he asked me to do the work. I just dont want to have to pay for a T Belt job on that god forsaken DA. TIA - Darrell ..HondaTechHeroes Rock~

 

actually the procedure doesnt require you to take the tranny off. just the flywheel cover. it's held in by just a few bolts. it needs to be a manual transmission though for it to work.

something that might be easier...
im not sure if the key is magnetic... but if it is, you might be able to use a magnet with some rope and fish out the key. just dont lose the maget inside there too.

as for whether it's ok to leave to key in there... id prob be lazy and just get a new one if it were my car. since it is your friend's, you might want go the extra step or at the very least have your friend understand the worst thing that could probably happen is the tbelt gets shredded, snaps, and then the engine locks up while he's doing 80 on the freeway.

Here is an example of what can happen when debris gets in there...
http://www.c-speedracing.com/h...t.php

again, not likely but possible

 

Hmm, knowing him he won't care as long as he see's those new cam gears in there... But I'd feel horrible if the T belt dropped and something happened to the motor. I guess I'll show him your responses, and the possible problems down the line. I tried the magnetic grabber thing already, it was 5 bucks from Pepboys and its got a 3 1/2lb grab capacity. I think as long as I leave the top cover off if the key is grabbed by the belt it will be thrown by or under the oil pump gear or tossed directly out the top of the T belt cover ( I'm praying ). Also, would that key be something I could get from a Dealer, department store, or junk yard? I'm in cali and the nearest junk yard is about 40 mins which I cruise to frequently but it never seems to have DA's for more than a week or so, and finding one with a head is near impossible. So would any B/D series cam gear keys fit? Im about ready to just grab a grinder and some steel and go Home Depot Warrior on that biyatch~ Thanks for the help. - Darrell