[s-cars] Crank woodruff key questions

[Sean Douglas]

Dave:

Isn't the WK integral (attached) to the harmonic balancer (pulley)? I
could be wrong, but when I did my TB, it looked like the key was part of
the pulley.

Sean




-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-admin at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-admin at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Dave Forgie
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 9:38 AM
To: s-cars
Subject: [s-cars] Crank woodruff key questions


S-gruppees:  There have been several incidences of the woodruff key on
the crank pulley failing.  I am guessing that the stiff valve springs on
the S-cars translates into a large shear force at the woodruff key.
There may be some variability in the key strengths and the weaker ones
shear.  I know that they are probably designed to shear under certain
conditions so as to protect the rest of the engine, e.g. the head from
damage.  However, I don't think that the key should fail at any point
during "normal" use.  As a result, I have two questions:

1.  Have there been updates on the woodruff key since the 20vt engines
were first produced to the 97 S6? (presumably the factory may have
noticed some problems on warranty work).

2.  Would it be a good idea to replace the woodruff key with a new one
(especially if the part was updated) during a normal timing belt change,
e.g. like doing the water pump, because you are already "there"?  I
can't imagine that the incremental cost would be significant.  (I know,
I know, its an Audi - what was I thinking..)

Dave F.

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