Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sport/Truck · 01-14-2007, 07:35 PM

I was replacing the timing chain and the woodruff key fell in the oil pan. I don’t think it can hurt anything but thought I better get a second opinion.

MT1972cheyenne · 01-14-2007, 07:36 PM

It can't go anywhere. It will just sit on the bottom. I wouldn't worry about it.

cdowns · 01-14-2007, 07:39 PM

for the price of a pan gasket i'd drop the pan and remove it

kenm78 · 01-14-2007, 07:44 PM

You can probabbly get away with leaving it but why roll the dice? a one piece gasket is less than 40$$. Did you try a magnetic retriever?? Just my .02

Sport/Truck · 01-14-2007, 07:49 PM

What I would like to do is get it together and drive (25 miles) so I can rent a lift and drop the pan and inspect and reseal the oil pan.
s/t

Sport/Truck · 01-14-2007, 07:51 PM

Another question, is the woodruff key the same size as the harmonic balancer’s? I was going to size it before it fell.
s/t

kenm78 · 01-14-2007, 08:00 PM

I think the balancer's is longer.

mnunn454 · 01-14-2007, 08:08 PM

I'd try fishing for it with a magnet, either through the drain plug hole or the opening between the front of the pan and the front crank bearing cap. I have a magnet on a stick, but it's not the telescoping kind. It's the flexible aluminim stick about 18" long that can be bent into the perfect shape. Magnet's about 1/4" in diameter. Shaft it's on is about 1/8" to 3/16" diameter and seems like the ideal tool for the job.

Good luck.

Sport/Truck · 01-14-2007, 08:32 PM

I tried to fish it out but it has slid to the bottom of the pan. I don’t think there is any danger of it getting into anything, it’s just a PITA.
The key slots appear to be the same I’ll get the calipers and check the depth & length of each slot. My harmonic balancer came with two keys too. I think I’m good now.
s/t

PumiceMan · 01-14-2007, 08:34 PM

When I pulled a 305 apart (was in my camaro when I bought it), I found a few pieces of aluminum - took me a few minutes, but I eventually realized they were pieces of pistons skirts. Turns out the outside tang of each piston on the drivers side broke off like this. I can only assume the engine saw some high rpms - never heard of this happening before. Anyway, they were too big to get into anything, and didn't seem to have hurt anything.

I agree with mnunn454 though. If it's steel, then you can use a magnet to get it out. If the engine's in the truck, and you already have the timing cover off, it'd be easier (I suspect) to use the magnet on a stick idea (I've got a couple of the telescoping kind, so that's what came to mind).

s95930 · 01-14-2007, 09:13 PM

I wouldn't worry about it. It is heavy. It will stay on the bottom of pan. It can't be suck in to the oil pump.

Fred T · 01-14-2007, 09:14 PM

I can't remember the size, but the parts store should be able to tell you. And I wouldn't even try fishing for the key, it will sit at the bottom of the pan forever. When I pulled the pan on one engine, I found a handful of screws. I assume they were there when I bought the van, about 80,000 miles earlier.

*Shane* · 01-14-2007, 09:44 PM

Drain the oil ... take a STRONG magnet and start "wiping" the oil pan with it ... side to side, working your way back to the oil plug ... do this a few times and the Woodruff key should slide with the magnet on the inside of the oil pan.

Good Luck.

Sport/Truck · 01-14-2007, 09:46 PM

Good then it should be safe for the drive to the lift.
Anyone have the torque spec for the timing gear bolts?
thanks everyone.
s/t

poorboy · 01-14-2007, 09:49 PM

I would replace the drain plug with one with a magnet. Then maybe you'll get lucky and it will get stuck on it.

poorboy · 01-14-2007, 09:53 PM

The camshaft sprocket bolts (5/16) are 20 ft. lbs.

Sport/Truck · 01-14-2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorboy

The camshaft sprocket bolts (5/16) are 20 ft. lbs.

cool! Thank you. BTW I like the magnet drain plug idea too.

s95930 · 01-14-2007, 10:03 PM

I Like the last two Magnet ideas!

brak · 01-14-2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane

Drain the oil ... take a STRONG magnet and start "wiping" the oil pan with it ... side to side, working your way back to the oil plug ... do this a few times and the Woodruff key should slide with the magnet on the inside of the oil pan.

Good Luck.

I agree...

A Speaker magnet would probably do the trick, provided you have an old speaker laying around.

Sport/Truck · 01-14-2007, 11:09 PM

BTW- the woodruff key isthe same on the timing sprocket & harmonic balancer.

s/t

*rage'nrat638* · 01-14-2007, 11:14 PM

USE LOCKTIGHT ON THE CAM GEAR BOLTS..if you not using a lock plate

*Billla* · 01-14-2007, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

for the price of a pan gasket i'd drop the pan and remove it

Sport/Truck · 01-14-2007, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rage'nrat638

USE LOCKTIGHT ON THE CAM GEAR BOLTS..if you not using a lock plate

Yes, I cleaned the threads & used blue locktight.
Thanks for checking!
s/t

01-14-2007, 07:35 PM	#1
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. I was replacing the timing chain and the woodruff key fell in the oil pan. I don’t think it can hurt anything but thought I better get a second opinion. __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

01-14-2007, 07:36 PM	#2
MT1972cheyenne Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 223	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. It can't go anywhere. It will just sit on the bottom. I wouldn't worry about it.

01-14-2007, 07:39 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. for the price of a pan gasket i'd drop the pan and remove it __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-14-2007, 07:44 PM	#4
kenm78 Broken Down Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Choctaw, Oklahoma Posts: 1,267	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. You can probabbly get away with leaving it but why roll the dice? a one piece gasket is less than 40$$. Did you try a magnetic retriever?? Just my .02 __________________ kenm78 1982 Chevy 4X4 Project truck “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and let people wonder about your ignorance, than open your mouth and reveal all doubt”

01-14-2007, 07:49 PM	#5
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. What I would like to do is get it together and drive (25 miles) so I can rent a lift and drop the pan and inspect and reseal the oil pan. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

01-14-2007, 07:51 PM	#6
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. Another question, is the woodruff key the same size as the harmonic balancer’s? I was going to size it before it fell. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

01-14-2007, 08:00 PM	#7
kenm78 Broken Down Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Choctaw, Oklahoma Posts: 1,267	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. I think the balancer's is longer. __________________ kenm78 1982 Chevy 4X4 Project truck “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and let people wonder about your ignorance, than open your mouth and reveal all doubt”

01-14-2007, 08:08 PM	#8
mnunn454 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 602	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. I'd try fishing for it with a magnet, either through the drain plug hole or the opening between the front of the pan and the front crank bearing cap. I have a magnet on a stick, but it's not the telescoping kind. It's the flexible aluminim stick about 18" long that can be bent into the perfect shape. Magnet's about 1/4" in diameter. Shaft it's on is about 1/8" to 3/16" diameter and seems like the ideal tool for the job. Good luck. __________________ 69 C-10 SWB Fleetside 454/TH400 (For Sale) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ct=1299&cat=12 70 El Camino 454 TH700 29 Model A 4-DR Sedan Deluxe Last edited by mnunn454; 01-14-2007 at 08:09 PM.

01-14-2007, 08:32 PM	#9
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. I tried to fish it out but it has slid to the bottom of the pan. I don’t think there is any danger of it getting into anything, it’s just a PITA. The key slots appear to be the same I’ll get the calipers and check the depth & length of each slot. My harmonic balancer came with two keys too. I think I’m good now. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

01-14-2007, 08:34 PM	#10
PumiceMan Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 47	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. When I pulled a 305 apart (was in my camaro when I bought it), I found a few pieces of aluminum - took me a few minutes, but I eventually realized they were pieces of pistons skirts. Turns out the outside tang of each piston on the drivers side broke off like this. I can only assume the engine saw some high rpms - never heard of this happening before. Anyway, they were too big to get into anything, and didn't seem to have hurt anything. I agree with mnunn454 though. If it's steel, then you can use a magnet to get it out. If the engine's in the truck, and you already have the timing cover off, it'd be easier (I suspect) to use the magnet on a stick idea (I've got a couple of the telescoping kind, so that's what came to mind). Attached Images __________________ 69 GMC Sierra 1500 Custom 68 Camaro SS 18 GMC Sierra SLT Living the dream

01-14-2007, 09:13 PM	#11
s95930 A-Adam A-Adam Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Sarpy Co. Ne. South of Omaha Posts: 263	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. I wouldn't worry about it. It is heavy. It will stay on the bottom of pan. It can't be suck in to the oil pump. __________________ 70 3/4 ton GMC Camper Special

01-14-2007, 09:14 PM	#12
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. I can't remember the size, but the parts store should be able to tell you. And I wouldn't even try fishing for the key, it will sit at the bottom of the pan forever. When I pulled the pan on one engine, I found a handful of screws. I assume they were there when I bought the van, about 80,000 miles earlier. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

01-14-2007, 09:44 PM	#13
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. Drain the oil ... take a STRONG magnet and start "wiping" the oil pan with it ... side to side, working your way back to the oil plug ... do this a few times and the Woodruff key should slide with the magnet on the inside of the oil pan. Good Luck.

01-14-2007, 09:46 PM	#14
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. Good then it should be safe for the drive to the lift. Anyone have the torque spec for the timing gear bolts? thanks everyone. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe. Last edited by Sport/Truck; 01-14-2007 at 09:47 PM.

01-14-2007, 09:49 PM	#15
poorboy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Oregon City, Or Posts: 758	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. I would replace the drain plug with one with a magnet. Then maybe you'll get lucky and it will get stuck on it.



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01-14-2007, 09:53 PM	#16
poorboy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Oregon City, Or Posts: 758	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. The camshaft sprocket bolts (5/16) are 20 ft. lbs.

01-14-2007, 10:03 PM	#18
s95930 A-Adam A-Adam Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Sarpy Co. Ne. South of Omaha Posts: 263	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. I Like the last two Magnet ideas! __________________ 70 3/4 ton GMC Camper Special

01-14-2007, 11:09 PM	#20
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. BTW- the woodruff key isthe same on the timing sprocket & harmonic balancer. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe. Last edited by Sport/Truck; 01-14-2007 at 11:11 PM.

01-14-2007, 11:14 PM	#21
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	Re: Woodruff key fell into the oil pan…. USE LOCKTIGHT ON THE CAM GEAR BOLTS..if you not using a lock plate

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