Hey guys, I've been reading through timing chain posts for a while now and I haven't found what I'm looking for yet. I just installed a new cloyes timing chain with 2 new gears. I used 3 pieces of wood to hammer the crankshaft gear all the way on. It seems to be on as far as it can go but it is still sitting a little out in front of the cam gear with everything put back together. I’ve attached some pics of the setup. Is this the way it’s supposed to look? Engine is an 89 L98. Thanks guys.

Unless there is something preventing the sprocket from seating all the way onto the crankshaft (like a burr on the key, etc.), I'm wondering if you can push it on the rest of the way with the harmonic balancer?

Thanks for the reply man. But I've heard doing it that way can damage the balancer.

The last photo shows the Woodruff key rolled in its seat (there should be no space between the top of the key and the keyway in the sprocket). You may have to partially remove the crank sprocket and tap the key back into its seat with a soft punch.

Hey Vader, I removed the crank sprocket and tried to see what you were talking about but I didn't see anything with these two "keys?". I took this pic to see if you could show me what you are referring to.

A woodruff key is semicircular on the bottom side. If the key tips when you attempt to install the sprocket, it will bind in the keyway broached in the sprocket bore. When that occurs, the game is over and you will not be able to push it on.

The photo you posted earlier showed a gap between the top of the woodruff key and the ket seat of the sprocket, indicating the key may have tipped or rolled in the crank snout.

So if this occurred where would you have to hit the key with the punch?

Wow, just for reference in case this might help someone in the future, this little pic of what the heck these keys actually are really cleared things up. Thanks for the tips Vader.