woodruff key

[bruceallmighty]

hi all.went to change balancer on 3.3 engine , found it broken inside on the crank, key is crushed onto crankshaft.how can i get the piece out of the slot without damaging, the slot,or the seal behind it?also are the keys pressed in on installation?if so do i need to remove timing cover and gears to get at the shaft?not alot of room in there!

[Will Help]

I question how you sheared the key?

You can be assured the top portion of the slot is already damaged. The key goes all the way through the crank gear. You will probably have to remove the cover. One far stretch is questionablely ethical. See how much more key way you have in front of where the original stops. See what length key was originally in the balancer portion. If you have as much empty key way as was in the original purchase, then you may install a new key in front of the original.