wierd output shaft

[kohler321]

I just purchased a 6hp yanmar diesel clone for 125 dollars. It is from a generator, and has great compression, but there is one problem i see with it. The output shaft has no key-way. It has a little bit of taper at the beginning then goes like a regular output shaft until it is about flush with the engine. Why would there be no key-way, and would it be possible to get a machine shop to put one in?

Also, i will post a pic tomorrow hopefully.
Thanks.

 

[Russ2251]

...has great compression...

Necessary, as this is source of ignition.

...output shaft has no key-way...

...a little bit of taper...

Why would there be no key-way

Keyway not needed for generator and is typical of most (all?) generator engines. Taper is necessary for fitment of alternator rotor to pto. Nothing weird about it. Unusable "as is" for anything other than what they are designed for.

would it be possible to get a machine shop to put one in?

Yup, but may be cheaper to get an engine with correct pto.
I was quoted $250 (varies) to get a keyway cut and requires removal of crankshaft.
You will still have the taper to deal with.
Expense cannot justify the use of a generator engine.

 

[mike75925]

i could see charging 250 if they were using a file. i know i wouldn't want to do it.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

$250 is a HUGE rip off, i could toss a crank in the mill, and cut a keyway in it in 20 minutes easily (if not less).

Are there any tech schools around you? i know my shop will often fix, or make parts for people for very cheap or free.

 

[kohler321]

Thanks for the replies, i will call around for the cost of getting a key-way installed. here are some pics by the way...

 

[motor_head]

if you want to do it cheap you can use an angle grinder or dremel to cut a keyway.

 

[Dougthewelder]

if you want to do it cheap you can use an angle grinder or dremel to cut a keyway.

im so cheep i was thinking the same thing, then i read your post lol.

the whole time im thinking to myself *hmm i bet if i had the right sized cutting wheel on my angle grinder i could put a usable key way on that shaft*

 

[kohler321]

ya, i was kind of thinking that, but the margin of error is small, and once i screw up, i cant try again. If prices are to costly, or i have to remove the crank, i will either make a longer taper pulley, or try that angle grinder technique.

 

[That One Guy]

That sounds like a HORRIBLE idea.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

That sounds like a HORRIBLE idea.

If you make a guide out of some scrap, and do it VERY carefully with a die grinder/dremel, and then finish it off with a file, it could come out alright. I personally would never touch it with an angle grinder.

 

[Dougthewelder]

That sounds like a HORRIBLE idea.

hahaha yea it is BUT, i bet i could make it work! i have done worse ideas and gotten away with it.

 

[Russ2251]

if you want to do it cheap you can use an angle grinder or dremel to cut a keyway.

This was done by hand. Shaft diameter is 63/64". Keyway is ¼ x ⅛.

 

[ironman]

good work there russ....

 

[kohler321]

This was done by hand. Shaft diameter is 63/64". Keyway is ¼ x ⅛.

That looks great.

What exact tool(s) did you use?

 

[Russ2251]

Dremel, chainsaw files, needle files.
Finished off with abrasive stones.

 

[Dougthewelder]

beautiful!

 

[Russ2251]

good work there russ....

That looks great.

beautiful!

I know.

 

[Dougthewelder]

I know.

he is so humble! jk man you deserve it

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

I know.

Believe the right answer was "thanks" "thank you" or something along those lines.

 

[kohler321]

what kind of a bit did you use for the dremel, and did you use a jig, or did you do it free hand?