Hello,

I'm DYIing my first timing belt change on my 01 accord. I was able to get 3/4 of the steps done, but ran into a problem getting a stuck keyway key out of the crankshaft balancer (I guess that's the name???). Any ideas are greatly appreciated?

Thanks,
Troy

 

Can you get the sprocket off anyway without removing the key? Maybe then you can grab the key?

 

Jim, the sprocket seems to be restricted by the key. I'm really having a problem getting behind the key to knock it out. I currently have the engine on a jack. How low can I lower the engine? If I can get the engine lower I may have more room to get behind it. Also, are there any of the other parts around the key that I should worry about damaging?

Thanks,
Troy

 

Get a gear puller and put the crank bolt back in first to protect the threads.

 

Won't the gear be restricted by the key?

 

The gear should come off with the key in place

 

Ok. So it sounds like once the gear is off I can proceed with removing the last belt and leave the key in place?

 

Unless there is damage to the sprocket, the timing belt can be removed w/o removing sprocket.

good luck

 

See # 15,16,17,18 in the picture. Be careful about that shaped tab on the back of the inboard sprocket. It triggers the CKP/TDC sensor.

It's tempting to take it all off just to be correct, but like Tex says you should be able to replace the belts.

Can you file the mangled end of the key (jeweler's file), to allow the sprockets to come off? Then grab the key? My fear is don't file TOO MUCH off, just in case you cannot get the key out after all.

I've never had to deal with this, the sprockets just pulled off without much difficulty.

 

x2. it could be a pita tho.