I'm done for the day, really hate when stuff like this happens....

I was installing the new counterweight and flywheel into my engine and noticed that it wouldn't go in much. I decided to torque it down by hand thinking it was because the pressed fit. After not moving much I pulled off the new flywheel and I find this:



With this guy stuck at the end between the flywheel counterweight and the engine (now deformed):



Was that small metal piece supposed to go into the small slot on the e-shaft? Now that I removed this thing and I set the flywheel/counterweight on the e-shaft, it slides all the way in and the key (or the remainder of it???) still holds the flywheel really well.

So, is the key supposed to look like it did in picture 1, or is it two piece? Should I continue installing the new flywheel with the key currently in the e-shaft? If not, anyone know where to get that small piece if I need it? Thanks for all the help!

 

The key is one piece. Maybe someone put two keys in there for some reason.

 

So the key normally has a gap like that on the e-shaft (picture #1)?

 

Looks like its installed upside down imho. Probably just looking at it wrong I guess.

 

no. it should be in 1 piece. either something has happened to the engine, or someone fucked it up badly. it should look like a half moon.

Lloyd

 

Do you guys think I should worry or install the flywheel as is? The old flywheel had the key like this when it was installed I believe, it still seems to hold.... Just want to make sure I don't screw this up and have it break when I put everything back in.... How about this gap issue, is the key supposed to take up the whole slot on the e-shaft?

 

seen it a few times, it comes from under-torquing the flywheel bolt( the 2and 1/8 one)
i did to my own car once when i didnt have the proper socket i used a big cresent wrench, about a month later, it sheered.

 

This is wierd.... The old flywheel seemed like it was fine, it was torqued down pretty damn good. I don't know if the OP had replaced the clutch or anything, most of this car has been was unmodified when I got it....

So I guess you guys are saying I should try to find a new key for this?

 

in the first pic the key is upside down. it should be smooth on the side that goes towards the flywheel. But yes a gap is acceptable

 

i would replace it. honestly, if you think about the kind of force that key has to be under, i wouldent risk it

Lloyd

 

Cool, thanks for the replies everyone. I have now idea how this could of happend, this is my first time taking out the flywheel and clutch components I almost shat my pants thinking i screwed the e-shaft.... Must of been the original owner or whoever did the clutch work and possibly resurfaced the flywheel. The key is in there pretty tight, I will have to use a punch to get it out. Maybe it might still work if it is placed right side up again??

I will see if the woodruff keys at the parts store match this guy or order from mazdatrix... Hopefully no more things break and I can finally get the beast running...

 

The flywheel is tapered fit on the e-shaft. You should be fine with flywheel key flipped over. Make sure you torque back down the big nut to 350+ ft/lbs

 

So I got the key out, the round half moon side was facing the e-shaft as you guys guessed.

Now that I have it out, if I flip it so the half moon is facing up (towards the air) and the other side towards the e-shaft, which way is the taper supposed to face (the small short side of it, not the tall side)? Towards the rear of the car or towards the front of the car?

The wierd thing is the FSM states the half moon side should be facing the e-shaft (like it was in the picture)????

Thanks for the help again, if I can get a reply soon I should be able to finish this up possibly today....

EDIT: I have a feeling I am not looking at the right key for this engine, the fsm shows a true half moon, I have a half moon, then it is flat on one end, and tapers on the other. I will snap a picture shortly...

 

Picture:



Don't mind the marks on it : )

The top side in the picture was the side facing the e-shaft, and to bottom was facing out towards the air.

 

There's no taper on either end of the stk key.

 

Thanks hailers...


Don't you guys just love when you find stuff like this from the original owners??? Now I have to wait to get this new key from mazdatrix...

But the half moon should face the e-shaft like the FSM correct?

 

Half moon goes into the groove in the e-shaft.

 

The key is not under a buncha "force", when it is, that's when it sheer's. the key is only to provide the correct alignment to e-shaft. after the nut on the flyhweel is tighten'd PROPERLY, the key isnt under almost any stress, the taper on the flywheel/eshaft takes the load.