6 replies to this topic

[bwi_bwi_12]

Iv'e noticed that there is a bit of loose play on the radiator side pulley system which can only be as a result of something wrong with the crank on that end. when you turn the radiator fan back and forth, it moves the alternator as well as the crank pulley slightly. the engine still runs as normal but im worried that a nut or a tab is loose and will cause damage! can anyone suggest what it could be and a solution?

thanks,
Brian

[ado15]

Sounds like the bolt has been loose for a while, allowing the pulley to shuffle and, in turn, wearing the key/keyway. Chances are, the crank will be fine. A replacement pulley and Woodruff key should do the trick.

[GraemeC]

Is the crank turning too though? There is a bit of backlash when any of the cylinders are at TDC which would give a feeling of slight play in the pulley.

[bwi_bwi_12]

so there is a keyway in the pulley itself? i couldnt remember... what else is on that end beyond the timing chain cover? is it just the pulley with a keyway, a lock tab, and the nut?
and as for the crank, it is motionless while i move the pulley back and forth. thanks for the help.

[m1n1]

Well my crankshaft bolt fell off, the pully then wobbled about and wore itself out as well as taking out the woodruff key and enlarging the groove it sits in.
So with a new key its not perfect and will fall out if it were not for the front pully / bottom timing gear holding it on; but seeing as the engine only spins in one direction it does not matter if it moves back and forward slightly as you mention..

[bwi_bwi_12]

okay, cool. thanks for the clarity. the only problem now is that ill have to loosen the whole engine and take the radiator out along with the engine mount because some wog (im from South Africa, see) decided to weld the two together instead of fixing the bracket that connects the radiator to the whole engine mount. this was before i got the car. so its now a big job to replace the pulley because of the whole radiator issue. meh

[bmcecosse]

Still simple to pull the complete rad + bracket out. The pulley has 'fretted' - it will be quite difficult to repair it - as long as the bolt is TIGHT - it won't do much harm to leave the pulley as is for now - and attend to it when some other calamity calls for the engine to come out.