Does Woodruff Key Position Matter?

[bigboat606]

I am installing the flywheel on a 1987 200 HP Evinrude. The manual states to position the Woodruff key so that the outer edge of the key is vertical. When I removed the flywheel the outer edge of the woodruff key was positioned parallel to the tappered crank shaft. I does not stick out too much above the crankshaft but enough to align the flywheel. My question is how important is it to position the woodruff key vertical where it would stick out much more? I ask because the key is stuck in the crankshaft slot. Really stuck! I bent a screw driver trying to remove it, so I stopped, thinking I might do damage to the slot. But if it needs to be repositioned then I will. Thanks for your response in advance.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Does Woodruff Key Position Matter?

It's not critical as long as it controls the position of the flywheel solidly. The key controls the timing, so there should be no free movement.

 

[bigboat606]

Re: Does Woodruff Key Position Matter?

Thanks! The flywheel has already been installed but I was trying to decide if I made a mistake by not positioning the key as per the manual. I torqued the flywheel nut to specification (140 ft-lbs) so I guess that is what really holds the flywheel in place. I plan to fire-up the engine today and see if I did everything correctly. Thanks again.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Does Woodruff Key Position Matter?

I would love to see a photo of this. I am not understanding properly what you mean by parallel.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Does Woodruff Key Position Matter?

The diagram in the ignition section of the factory manuals shows the outer edge of the key parallel to the center line of the crankshaft (figure DR2116). The subsection title is Flywheel Servicing Information.