Woodruff Key missing - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

krwsenior · #1 05-09-2014, 11:20 PM

What should have been a quick, simple change of the front seal on my 1991 350SDL has turned into a bigger problem. I can't find the woodruff key for the harmonic balancer. I'm afraid that it may have fell into the engine. Now what to do? Can I pull the oil pan without removing the engine or transmission? I'm sure it would be a bad idea to run the car not knowing if that woodruff key is in there somewhere.

This is my daily driver. I need it quickly. Any advice is appreciated.

ah-kay · #2 05-10-2014, 02:09 AM

Drain the oil. Open up the side sump and take a look and feel around with your hand. Be careful as there are sharp edges.

The oil pan can be dropped without removing the engine but it is a PITA. You need to undo about 30+ bolts. Some bolts are hard to get to without lifting the engine a bit. There are 3 or 4 5mm allen head bolts which can be stripped easily. If you stripped it then just hammer a good size extractor in there and they will come out. Undo engine mount on both sides and lift engine up using an engine hoist. The oil pan can then be slided out. I think you probably can fish it out by removing the side sump if it was in there.

Good luck.

krwsenior · #3 05-10-2014, 11:07 AM

Thank you Ah-Kay for the help. Unfortunately, mine doesn't have the side sump, but I did pull the oil level sender and tried with a magnet to fish around to no avail. Thankfully, I found the woodruff key under the car several feet back. I guess I kicked it back there not knowing it was on the ground. I've got it back together now and doing fine. Thanks again.