Removing Electra Crankshaft

Is it a usual half moon woodruff key? I usually tap them with a suitable drift, it’s not surprising that it might be stuck given it’s probably been there for 50 years! 

Dan 

Hi Robert,

As Dan says the key is similar to all others on the bike and is shaped for a groove cut in the shaft by a circular cutter.

I use a flat bottomed drift, about 1/4 ins diameter. Punch down on the last 1/4 ins of the flat key top with the intention of tilting the key up at the opposite end. When done, you have space to lever the raised end of the key out of the keyway. You may find raising the inner end of the key allows you to lever it out against the triangular washer.

You will end up with burrs and damage on the key. A new key is ideal, but an old key can have it's faces restored by rubbing against a fine flat file or emery paper on a flat surface.

The key should be a close/tight fit in both the gear and the shaft.

Got it out yet?

Peter

Luckily (for me at least), NOC shop sells all the required Woodruff keys, just do a search using "Woodruff". They are only £1.50 or so each.

You may need to rub the sides of the key,as suggested by Peter, to remove burrs even on new keys to get a snug but not too tight a fit, the key needs to be able to move in the key way on assembly. 

I use grease to hold the key in place with the key way at 12 o'clock. For the alternator side of the crank I marked the sprocket and alternator stator (magnet) key way locations with a punch mark on the end of the shaft so I know where the key way is in relation to the part I am fitting; it is almost impossible to see the keys.

Also, the key should be angled slightly downwards to the item being fitted so the end does not catch in the key way. Not too much or the key may ride up and out of the back of the key way, possibly unnoticed, spelling disaster. 

Dennis

Hi Robert, so you got your hands on a puller for the half time pinion, where did you get it and how much please, I have a pinion that will not budge.

Cheers Howard

... on how much of the key is protruding I often find a pair of mole grips will grab it enough to remove it. Apply them tightly and use a screwdriver under the grip jaws to lever off.