1990 Mitsubishi Montero Stripped Keyway Fix

MITSUBISHI
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KPG
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  • 1 POST
1990 montero -

The balancer came loose and is stripped out pretty bad, the crank shaft took some abuse - the keyway is now oversize in front so it allows the timing belt gear to have some play. I can't get the timing gear off the crankshat because the key is deformed, I need to get a gear puller I guess. The gear it self may need replaced - and I may have to damage it to get it off.

I'm pretty sure I need to replace the balancer, but can the keyway on the crankshaft be repaired?

Without tearing down the engine, that is.

If I need to pull the engine apart then it's not worth it.

I saw on the web that JB Weld could be used - that does not sound like a very good solution to me but a this point I'll give it a try if it stands a chance of working.

So...what are my options?
Feb 8, 2006 at 2:02 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
no JB weld. The big problem with replacing the key is lining the keyway up if the timing belt is still on. Go to Mitsu and get a new key and balancer, replace them both
Feb 9, 2006 at 9:44 AM

Suggested Repair

Do not use JB Weld. Obtain a new crankshaft key and harmonic balancer from Mitsubishi and replace both, taking care to align the keyway if the timing belt is still installed.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1990 Mitsubishi Montero reports a loose, badly stripped balancer and an oversized crankshaft keyway that allows the timing gear to move. The deformed key makes the gear difficult to remove, and the owner asks whether the keyway can be repaired without an engine teardown, including whether JB Weld might work. The expert advises against JB Weld and recommends replacing both the key and balancer with new Mitsubishi parts, noting that keyway alignment is difficult if the timing belt remains installed.

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