Woodruff Key Installation problem. - SV650.org

squirrel_hunter · 25-03-12, 04:56 PM

I'm putting an alternator back onto a '99 model SV650S and am having a little problem getting it on. I'm using a standard key and alternator. I think its because the Woodruff Key is not seating properly. But its difficult to tell, so has anyone got a picture of a correctly installed Woodruff Key so I can confirm if mine is not in correctly or if it needs percussive persuasion of sorts?

Sid Squid · 25-03-12, 11:11 PM

They're often a snug fit in the slot, (fnaaar), tap it gently and it should end up between 1-2mm above the level of the taper. Note the slot is not square bottomed, so if the key is not central it won't be parallel to the surface.
Check the key fits neatly in the slot of the rotor before fitting - it's not unknown for a small burr to stop it fitting easily.

squirrel_hunter · 26-03-12, 12:37 PM

Should it follow the taper of the crank or should one end sit higher out than the other (rear lower than the front)?

It did have some burring on it due to the reason its being replaced but I've had a little wet and dry on it to sort that out, oh and a little bit of the remains of the previous key was there initially (that sounds a lot worse than it was).

rictus01 · 26-03-12, 01:25 PM

come off it, you just want an excuse to do this

Sid Squid · 26-03-12, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squirrel_hunter

Should it follow the taper of the crank or should one end sit higher out than the other (rear lower than the front)?

It should be parallel with the tapered surface.

yorkie_chris · 27-03-12, 12:44 AM

And even then it can be a right fiddly tw*t

squirrel_hunter · 27-03-12, 01:03 PM

I think its the key which is the issue. I have an advanced key sitting around that slotted straight in but still the standard one does not. Got the verniers out on it and it is a tiny bit bigger and that I think is the problem. So options?

Nobbylad · 27-03-12, 01:24 PM

Take a file to it?

I (well I reckon it was YC...but let's not digress) lost the woodruff key off a pointy, so had to borrow one from another bike that was roughly the same size, then filed it to fit (dimensions supplied via YC).

As long as it sits proud of the slot and you can get the alternator over it, I don't think it'll be a problem.

25-03-12, 04:56 PM	#1
squirrel_hunter Member Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sunny Swindon Posts: 3,579	Woodruff Key Installation problem. I'm putting an alternator back onto a '99 model SV650S and am having a little problem getting it on. I'm using a standard key and alternator. I think its because the Woodruff Key is not seating properly. But its difficult to tell, so has anyone got a picture of a correctly installed Woodruff Key so I can confirm if mine is not in correctly or if it needs percussive persuasion of sorts? __________________ "A little enthusiastic?" May I add here, GG is awesome and I think I am in love with Stretchie...he rocks my world! SH2 \| 2MA \| GROM \| YSR

25-03-12, 11:11 PM	#2
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: Woodruff Key Installation They're often a snug fit in the slot, (fnaaar), tap it gently and it should end up between 1-2mm above the level of the taper. Note the slot is not square bottomed, so if the key is not central it won't be parallel to the surface. Check the key fits neatly in the slot of the rotor before fitting - it's not unknown for a small burr to stop it fitting easily. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

26-03-12, 12:37 PM	#3
squirrel_hunter Member Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sunny Swindon Posts: 3,579	Re: Woodruff Key Installation problem. Should it follow the taper of the crank or should one end sit higher out than the other (rear lower than the front)? It did have some burring on it due to the reason its being replaced but I've had a little wet and dry on it to sort that out, oh and a little bit of the remains of the previous key was there initially (that sounds a lot worse than it was). __________________ "A little enthusiastic?" May I add here, GG is awesome and I think I am in love with Stretchie...he rocks my world! SH2 \| 2MA \| GROM \| YSR

26-03-12, 01:25 PM	#4
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: Woodruff Key Installation problem. come off it, you just want an excuse to do this __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

27-03-12, 12:44 AM	#6
yorkie_chris Noisy Git Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Halifax/Leeds Posts: 26,645	Re: Woodruff Key Installation problem. And even then it can be a right fiddly tw*t __________________ Currently Ex Biker Now rebuilding a 63' fishing trawler as a dive boat

27-03-12, 01:03 PM	#7
squirrel_hunter Member Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sunny Swindon Posts: 3,579	Re: Woodruff Key Installation problem. I think its the key which is the issue. I have an advanced key sitting around that slotted straight in but still the standard one does not. Got the verniers out on it and it is a tiny bit bigger and that I think is the problem. So options? __________________ "A little enthusiastic?" May I add here, GG is awesome and I think I am in love with Stretchie...he rocks my world! SH2 \| 2MA \| GROM \| YSR

27-03-12, 01:24 PM	#8
Nobbylad Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: West Lancs Posts: 4,055	Re: Woodruff Key Installation problem. Take a file to it? I (well I reckon it was YC...but let's not digress) lost the woodruff key off a pointy, so had to borrow one from another bike that was roughly the same size, then filed it to fit (dimensions supplied via YC). As long as it sits proud of the slot and you can get the alternator over it, I don't think it'll be a problem.

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