2000 grand prix crankshaft key replace?

**mpls612** · 05-04-2013

Well I just bought this 00 grand Prix gt 3.8L. witch was supposed to have a broken timing chain .I only paid 350$ for the car and it turned over so I figured it be worth the money.

So when I was starting to take things apart I noticed the key at the end of the crankshaft that fits into the harmonic ballancer is destroyed looks like the guy didnt line it up and just zaped it on.I know this is the issue..

My question is ..is that key replaceable?I've never messed with one cause I've never had to lol.im praying that the crankshaft itself doesn't have to be replaced due to a little metal key.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

**Slick2500** · 05-04-2013

Yeah your going to have to pick it out with something, idk where exactly to get one though as I have never had to replace one.

**mpls612** · 05-04-2013

Well I mean that's good news then.wish I knew the process. I'm thinking I will have to remove the timing chain cover to be able to do this.as I'm not quite sure how it comes apart or really.I looked up a new ballancer and it looks like it comes with a new key.

**Scottydoggs** · 05-04-2013

you should be able to pop it out with a pick or a small screw driver and tap with a hammer to get under it, then pry it out of the groove.

**mpls612** · 05-04-2013

Then I can just tap the new key in the slot where its supposed to go? And will it just slide in and be a tight fit?
Thanks guys for the quick responses I've been stressed about this.. bought the car to fix for a present my father who recently got laid off.

**Scottydoggs** · 05-04-2013

yeah pretty much, lay the new key in the key way make sure its sitting flat, (tap it in place if need be) slide the balancer back on nice and easy like, you know when the keys lined up, then bolt it back on.

as long as the key ways not mangled up, the old balancer should still work, a new key cant be more then a buck or 2.

**FordMan77** · 05-04-2013

Heck, worst case if you can't find a new key take a trip to the junkyard. Actually, now that I think about it I may still have the key on my blown motor from my 00 GP GT sitting in the garage. If you can't locate a key and mine is in good shape (don't see why it wouldn't be) I'll mail you mine. I have no use for it and the motor will be scrapped soon.

**mpls612** · 05-05-2013

The keyway on the ballancer is screwed it has another notch that was put in it from it being alined wronged and forced on.

**mpls612** · 05-05-2013

Originally Posted by FordMan77

Heck, worst case if you can't find a new key take a trip to the junkyard. Actually, now that I think about it I may still have the key on my blown motor from my 00 GP GT sitting in the garage. If you can't locate a key and mine is in good shape (don't see why it wouldn't be) I'll mail you mine. I have no use for it and the motor will be scrapped soon.

Thank you so much I'm gonna see if I can get them both at the yard

**FordMan77** · 05-05-2013

No problem. If you can't find a good key at the JY, let me know. I just looked at my old key and it's fine. No issues. I don't have the balancer or I'd get rid of it too.

**mpls612** · 05-05-2013

Do you guys think I'll be able to do this with out taking anything else apart? It's kinda gonna be a pain because it's almost completely flat wit the crankshaft and there's not much room to get in there.

**OH4CompG** · 05-05-2013

Should be able to. Might need to drop the passenger side of the cradle for extra room to get the balancer puller tool in there

**mpls612** · 05-05-2013

I have all that apart.i got a closer look at everything and it looks the the key sits about an inch back from the end of the crankshaft..there's still some of it left actually though it definitely has been shaved down a bit. Does the key actually hold the balancer in place or is it just to get it lined up correctly ? If it does just line it up I might be able to get away without replacing. And after looking at trying to remove it Im thinking more stuff is gonna have to come apart.

**Scottydoggs** · 05-05-2013

try to post some pics of what you got left to work with.

the key is there to line the balancer up so the crank sensor reads correctly. then the bolt should be holding it tight, but the key needs to be solid side to side, if its sheared off some id just replace it.

**mpls612** · 05-05-2013

**mpls612** · 05-05-2013

**mpls612** · 05-05-2013

about the best i can do for pics

**dbextreme** · 05-05-2013

wouldn't you still have to remove the timing set? Because The oil pump drive ring and crank sprocket are also aligned with this key...

**mpls612** · 05-05-2013

I'm not sure what else needs to come apart.just trying to get some advice before I start taking things apart lol

**BillBoost37** · 05-06-2013

To make things easy.

Drain the coolant, lower the power steering pump (2 x 13mm through the pulley at 6 and 12), remove the front 5 oil pan bolts, then the timing cover bolts and get the cover out of the way. Now you'll have some working room. Worst case, like up the dots on teh crank and cam gear, then pull them and the tensioner. Then you'll just want to make sure you don't drop anything in the pan and you'll have it done quick.