Alternator pulley key

[merbeau]

My alternator (tractor is 12 volt converted system) has quit working and I was able to remove the alternator from its support brace.

I sprayed the nut/washer on the shaft with a 'break free' product for three days and was able to remove the nut and washer.

I was removing the pulley by gently tapping it from the back with a rubber mallet and noticed about half way off there was a key on the shaft.

QUESTION: Is the key permanent on the shaft or does it come off the shaft. If so, how to remove it. I am hoping next week the new alternator comes in and I can re install the new unit.

Thanks

Robert

 

[wore out]

NOT sure what alternator you have, only a few makes use a shaft key.

ANYHOW, it's almost certainly a "Woodruff key", and you can "rock" it out of place with a punch or a dull chisel. (Any questions on that, GOOGLE "Woodruff key".

It's possible the new alternator will come with the key already installed, an empty groove to install your old key in, or no keyway at all.

 

[John Deere D]

Make and Model of Tractor...?

TEA-20 Fergusons 6 Volt Generators / Dynamos I have worked on have a woodruff key...

Bob..

 

[merbeau]

Tractor is a Ferguson T0 30 and the alternator is an old Delco Remy.

 

[John Deere D]

Bob

 

[Jim.ME]

It sounds like you have a generator which used a key in the shaft. Delco alternators, the size I've seen on conversions don't have keys in the shafts. Which one does yours look like?

The key comes out of the generator shaft by gently tapping up under one end of it with a chisel. Some new/rebuilt generators come with a key already in the shaft, new lock washer and nut.

 

[Jim.ME]

The 10-SI is an alternator. When Delco Remy first started marketing the external regulated alternators they were called Delcotron Generators.

 

[merbeau]

Mine looks like the top picture which is
agenerator. Thanks for the information
and how to remove key. Found a new one
in Oklahoma through O'reilly auto.
Picture did not show new key but still
could be included.

Thanks again
Robert

 

[Steve@Advance]

The key comes out. It has to for the shaft to pass through the bearing.

It is a woodruff key, tap down on one end with a soft punch, it will roll out of the keyway.

The new alternator probably won't have a keyway, it is not necessary. Just put the pulley on, be sure the spacers are correct, and tighten the nut securely. I use an impact with good judgment on the torque.

 

[Jim.ME]

(quoted from post at 21:10:28 04/11/21) The key comes out. It has to for the shaft to pass through the bearing.

It is a woodruff key, tap down on one end with a soft punch, it will roll out of the keyway.

The new alternator probably won't have a keyway, it is not necessary. Just put the pulley on, be sure the spacers are correct, and tighten the nut securely. I use an impact with good judgment on the torque.

 

[Jim.ME]

I believe he last posted he has one (like his) coming through O'Reilly. If so it will be a generator and may well have the key already in the shaft, many do. To me it is best to use the key with a generator pulley, as designed.