Crank pulley nut

[pjnats]

Hey guys and gals, it's been a LONG time since I've posted on the forum; a lot of life changes happening but I won't bore you with any of that. To get to the point, at the end of last season a rattle developed in my engine compartment. It wasn't too bad, so I just stored my '81 Spider and forgot about it. When I took it to my inspection mechanic I asked him to check around the alternator to see if the belt or anything was loose. He told me the belt was a little loose so he tightened it but told me the rattle was still present and was concerned that it was an internal problem. On the drive home, the rattle became more and more pronounced so I called my repair mechanic (yes, I have two; don't ask) who scheduled me on his busy calendar. In the meantime, I went out to put my windows up and when I started the car something fell out of the engine compartment. Any guesses what? If you said the crank pulley, you're right! From everything I've read, that pulley nut is a bear to remove, so how did mine just happen to come off? Anyway, even though I've done a fair amount of work on this and previous Spiders I've owned, I'm not sure if this is an easy fix or if I should just wait the three weeks until I can have Mr. Repair Mechanic do the work. Any advice is appreciated.

[klweimer]

That's interesting. Is the timing belt still on and does the timing appear to be correct (cams and aux shaft)? If so, you may have dodged that bullet. If not, I'd be worried about bent valves and stuff like that. Compression testing and checking valve clearance might help diagnose problems in that area. While you're there, you might as well change the timing belt and idler bearing; after all you already got the hard part done (removing the nut).
Kirk

[RRoller123]

It sounds like the pulley is still on and oriented correctly? DONT START IT. If this is the case, just put the nut back on and torque it properly, or do the service as suggested. You certainly have dodged a bullet if the crank/aux/cam alignment is still good!

[So Cal Mark]

expect the keyway in the crank pulley to be damaged

[RRoller123]

Good point. It was running for awhile while rattling.......

[BEEK]

Also look at the pulley where the key way meets the pulley, it will wear out if the pulley is loose. Generally, if a crankshaft pulley becomes loose the pulley, the crankshaft gear and key way need to be replaced. Sometimes the crankshaft itself will become damaged too, i will post pictures of this tomorrow for you as i have an engine on the stand in the shop with that type of damage. I was using it as a demonstrator for my students

[pjnats]

Hey Beek, any chance you can post those pictures?