does anyone have any advice/tricks to remove a stubborn key from the crank -so I can remove the counterweight and front cover??? - I couldnt believe it - after taking all the accessory brackets off (ford engineers have a sense of humor - different size sockets ea bolt) I pulled the vibration damper and the key wont budge.....tapped with a hammer on a screwdriver and chipped off a small shard....tried small vice grips ...not working and dont want to bugger up and have to search for a replacement......

anybody have any advice?????....thanks in advance

 

I have had good luck using a pair of side cutter or dikes wire cutters. Grab the key length wise with the cutting side down and pry up towards the engine.

 

thank you greenhighboy for your reply

Happy to say that I got it out today...had to heat the snout of the crank near the key...(very) mildly with torch and clamped on a new set of vice grips on the key & hit the vice grips perpendicular to the shaft...key came out after a few good taps....never saw such an interference fit of a key before...ive always just put a screwdriver or punch on the key and gave a little tap - have always come right out....