woodruff key remove

[5keepers]

Anyone have any tricks to getting the woodruff key out of the shaft when changing the water pump? Mine is froze in good .It looks to close to the lower seal to use any heat on it. I tried the visegrips and have it worn down . I was thinking of using a dremel tool to cut a slot down the middle of the key so I could get some free play.

[Reata210]

I would try PB Blaster and let it soak for a few hours. Load it on good. I had a 92 130 that needed some convincing at one time and PB worked well.

[5keepers]

Where do you get this pb blaster?

[jgun]

If it's like mine, it's half moon shaped. I used a brass punch to pound down and in on the top and rotate it out. Don't worry I did the same thing with the vise grips and still got mine out.

[headhigh]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 5keepers &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Where do you get this pb blaster?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Advance or Auto Zone.

[PSM207]

The penetrating oil probably will not help, as these keys are a slight press fit.

[Reata210]

PB worked like a charm on my previous 130.
They fit snug but not press fit. Normally removable with little effort. When they are not it has been too long since changed.

[5keepers]

Well boys I got it out! I ended up using the dremmel and a small cut off wheel to cut a slot down the length of it. Then using a chisel to pound it inward and then the punch to drive it out. I have never in thrity years of working on cars seen something so small be so difficult. I did put a thin coat of antiseeze on the new one.I hope next time I do this it will be a little more ez.

[PSM207]

I've had several of these that were difficult. I usually file or sand the new key so the fit isn't so tight.