Woodruf Key help for the PMA swap

ArcherSix · Sep 18, 2011

So, I'm in the middle of putting in the PMA swap. I'm having a heck of a time finding the proper sized key to fit down to install on the crank. I remember reading on here that someone said they planned to grind some into the proper size. But now I can't find the post.
Whoever you are, have you done this? Can I get one?

Or, does anyone have a source for the proper size one that Hugh specs in the directions for the PMA swap?

Punkskalar · Sep 18, 2011

Lots of folks aren't even using them anymore. They only locate the flywheel on the crank, and aren't really required. MrRiggs turned me onto that idea, and it works just fine.

BUT, I am planning to start modifying the keys for the swap here in the next few weeks. Waiting a shipment of keys

ArcherSix · Sep 18, 2011

Wow...so the nut will hold it onto the shaft just fine? It won't slip and screw up the timing?

Just looking for a bit more reassurance before I bolt her up! lol

bradical · Sep 18, 2011

The woodruff keys have nothing to do with the timing of the motorcycle. They only keep the flywheel from spinning on the crank. I simply reused the stock key and tightened the nut down on the flywheel pretty tight. I also used a little bit of lock tight on the crank where the flywheel slides on. I havent had an ounce of trouble out of it.

tonyc · Sep 18, 2011

The taper is what holds the flywheels position. Once tightened it will hold.

hotdog · Sep 18, 2011

tonyc said:
The taper is what holds the flywheels position. Once tightened it will hold.

+1 the taper does all the work - the key is to ensure your timing marks align every time you remove & reinstall the flywheel. :thumbsup:

Tia813 · Sep 18, 2011

Yeah I had a heck of a time with it too. On my second try I just kept taking off metal till the flywheel went in.

Tia813 · Sep 18, 2011

If you're still going to do it go to Lowes.

terry l hendren · Sep 18, 2011

the guys that build 5 horse briggs use valve lapping compound on their taper when the modify their timing

AirsoftNY · Sep 18, 2011

Same here, had problems modifying the Lowes woodruff key, read on here that it wasn't necessary. Did my PMA swap without it, and it's been fine ever since.

Woodruf Key help for the PMA swap

ArcherSix

XS650 Enthusiast

Punkskalar

Hugh's HandBuilt

ArcherSix

XS650 Enthusiast

bradical

XS650 Addict

tonyc

XS650 Guru

hotdog

XS650 Guru

Tia813

XS650 Addict

Tia813

XS650 Addict

terry l hendren

XS650 Member

AirsoftNY

XS650 Addict

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