<VV> Damaged Crank Keyway, No Corvair

[NicolCS@aol.com]

Here are my thoughts:
1) The end of the crank looks like it is belled or flared out. If the end of 
the crank is flared (all around) it will be very difficult (impossible?) to 
get a balancer back on there and get it on back on straight and true (very 
important).  If this is the case, it's probably best to source a used engine or 
crank.

2) The crankshaft' hub surface looks galled.  Again, very difficult to get a 
balancer back on straight and it implies a loss of material.  Loss of material 
= loss of press-fit = loss of torque capability

3) If the crankshaft end can be cleaned-up to a smooth, flat surface and it 
measures in at a coupla thousanths LARGER than the NEW OR PERFECT used 
balancer's ID, you can rely on the press fit plus Loctite's stud and bearing mount or 
Loctite's gear mount to handle the torque.   I'd also take the precaution of 
premounting the key and filling the gap with JB.  Allow the JB to harden and 
shape it so that it's flush with the crank and key surfaces.
Craig Nicol

Anil wrote:  <This is not a Corvair related question but a question posed to 
me
by a coworker on a very tight budget. He has a 91 Miata with 187,000
miles on it. It looks like the keyway on the end of the crank has
become damaged:>