Calling 5MGE experts?

[nb86]

I've hit a little trouble with my supra.
Noticed a bit of belt noise from the engine and popped the hood to take a look, turns out the harmonic balancer was rocking on the shaft!
Dissassembly shows stuffed harmonic, alternator, water pump, bruised woodruff key and here's the worst part... crankshaft keyway about 0.5mm chewed out.
My engine also has the longer of the two harmonic balancers which is apparently very rare.
I initially got a new balancer and key from the people who supplied the engine (who shall remain nameless until I get overly frustrated), bearing in mind i have only done 1500km on this engine. But it wasn't the right baancer. Now everyone is away and I have no car.
Any suggestions for a fix? Oversized key?

[Norbie]

This is a common ailment on 5M/6M-GE's unfortunately. It's a good excuse for an upgrade, but beyond that I can't be much help. From memory Dong had the same thing happen on his old 6M and I think he got it fixed somehow so maybe ask him?

[Jasper]

The crank could be welded and remachined, but it is alot of work to pull it out...

When this happened to one of my 7Ms, I got a new woodruff key and used metal filled epoxy (I forget which brand) to fill all the gaps. Then tightened it up with a huge 22mm square drive electric impact wrench.

[CrUZida]

What do you mean by the 'longer' of the 2 crank pulleys?

The early ones had twin V belts for the alternator/water pump.
The later ones had the multi ribbed belt instead.

Is that what you mean?

If so, all MX73 5MGE's have the later one.

[triptek]

If ya need any parts mate just pm us. Have 2 x 5mge's here wrecking.

[nb86]

My engine is actually a japanese mz11 version. It has two V belts and a longer nose on the pulley than the other V belt 5mge's.
I think I'll try to source another bare 5mge from the engine supplier (very cheaply i hope!) by the sound of things.

[Yian]

There were 2? 5mge's at pick-a-part campbellfield last week. If that helps.

[tooch]

There were 2? 5mge's at pick-a-part campbellfield last week. If that helps.

That reminds me, there was a complete 5ME removed from a car at Pick Pay & Go Ringwood yesterday, if somebody actually wanted it for some reason

[nb86]

So I went the dodgy route. Made up a new key (larger than normal) and reassembled with JB weld. No good. After running great for 10 min the balancer moved on the key and started to wobble slightly again . Considering that I've replaced the timing belt, front main seal and harmonic balancer; I'm considering welding the balancer on. Either that or a new engine so I figure I have nothing to lose?

[CrUZida]

May as well replace the timing belt bearing too.

[Jasper]

How (tight) did you tighten the HB bolt?

[Jasper]

Also, you may be better off using a standard key. Using an oversize key may prevent the balancer from seating properly on the taper of the crank snout.

Now that I think about it, I also replaced my balancer, so the only worn component was the keyway in the crank

[Tanya]

mmm crank key bashing, fun times
went through this ordeal earlier this year...





I weighed my options, made a lot of phone calls to various machinists, and found it best just to go get a remanufactured crankshaft (plus bearings). Cost was $284 USD and came with a 90 day warranty. I figure, it's not overly safe to yank an engine from a boneyard, slap it in the car and expect it to go alright. Perhaps that engine is tore up and needs a few hundred dollars in machine work, might as well just get a remanned crank kit and go with it.

Also get a new harmonic balancer and keys from Toyota, they're not expensive at all. I really don't suggest JBWelding or even real welding as that never usually lasts long.

[cambelt]

You get the end of the crank welded up , still in the car , done it many times before on all types of engines.
Dave