Crank pulley/balancer is coming loose making belts fall off. Went through 3 at the junk yard before they found one not galled on the inner part that goes over the crank snout, they all looked worse than the one I pulled off, I put the 4th good one on, new woodruff key (crank key) ...vibrates loose about 3 miles again, no big RPMS, 2-3K rpm only....guess this is common by the looks of the ones that they pulled off complete cars at the junk yard. What gives? I loctited and cleaned and torqued the bolt on.....HELP!!!!!!!!!!

 

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Your problem is confusing. If woodruff key comes out the harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley and timing belt sprocket which drive the timing belt. the drive is mistimed w/ the camshaft and you'll have valve damage. The harmonic balancer and the timing belt drive sprocket must be aligned and engage the woodruff key.

If you don't have a manual, you need to get one. Check Online Manuals post under DIY.

good luck

 

Why did this start happening in the first place.

 

When I got the car home and back on the ground, and took off wheel & the inner fender and removed the loose bolt...half of the key fell out. The other half was still in the block/crank. It got sheared I guess as the last thing holding it on before it started wiggling. I pulled out the other half and put one in from the junk yard one. She stopped on her way back home and got gas. 1 block later before getting on I35 it started making a loud noise, so she pulled over and called me.I believe the start at the station was the last torque the poor key could handle since the bolt was coming loose. It isn't out of time...runs great without belts on! and with belts just not for long!!! I think I will try again to torque the bolt the 181 ft. lbs of torque it calls for. Guess I will pull cover for auto flexplate and wedge something in there to hold the motor from spinning as I attempt to torque it. I don't know how it started - just trying to fix it. I am just the lucky dad/husband that fixes all the cars for 2 daughters and wife as well as my diesel and Boss 302. Thanks for your help....I do know how motors work as well as cranks.