Cam Woodruff Key Stuck - Need Advice on Removal

[mca]

I am tearing down a 3.0 for a rebuild.

Today I was able to remove the left camshaft assembly (nut, sprockets, tens, etc), remove the heads, and remove the cylinders.

However, on the right side I can't seem to remove the cam woodruff key. It seems to be stuck pretty good. Tried using needle nose pliers to pull on it with no luck. The back side of the woodruff key is raised more than the front so it is kind of difficult to get behind it in order to pry it out. Any suggestions?

[Fritz Peyerl]

use a pair of side cutters. squeeze the key between the jaws and push the pliers against the cam shaft, those lifting the key out of the groove.

[john walker's workshop]

before using side cutters, get a hammer and screwdriver, set the screwdriver in line with the camshaft, up against the end of the key, and tap it a few times to move it out of it's keyway.

[mca]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

before using side cutters, get a hammer and screwdriver, set the screwdriver in line with the camshaft, up against the end of the key, and tap it a few times to move it out of it's keyway.

I tried that tenatively. The key looked chewed compared to the left side. I wonder it the PO had a similar problem.

Anyhow, I will give that a shot again ... using a little more force.

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

before using side cutters, get a hammer and screwdriver, set the screwdriver in line with the camshaft, up against the end of the key, and tap it a few times to move it out of it's keyway.

When you do this, be prepared to catch the flying key. Do you realize how many places a flying woodruff key can hide? One place is inside the engine. Apply a piece of sticky tape onto it to slow down its velocity as it takes off.

Sherwood

[peppy]

mca I used the method John described. Just be careful not to drop it in the engine case like I did.

[mca]

Originally Posted by peppy

mca I used the method John described. Just be careful not to drop it in the engine case like I did.

You know, I was thinking about you when I was removing the key on the left side today! I must admit ... I chuckled a little. Not because of your misfortune but because it makes all of the gifted people on this board seem human.

When looking at it I don't understand how it can get inside the engine. How did yours get in?

Any luck getting it out?

[mca]

Originally Posted by mca

You know, I was thinking about you when I was removing the key on the left side today! I must admit ... I chuckled a little. Not because of your misfortune but because it makes all of the gifted people on this board seem human.

When looking at it I don't understand how it can get inside the engine. How did yours get in?

Any luck getting it out?

.... oh, I know ... chain/crankshaft area right?

[peppy]

Yes the chain area. No, I have not gotten it out. I can not even see it in there, but the chain ramps are still in. I will try again next week some time.

Did you get the key out?

[mca]

Yes, got it out. Just used a little harder force than I had initially used. Trying to err on the side of caution.

I hope you can retrieve yours - will be checking your thread for updates.