1993 960 2.9 crankshaft pulley stripped

DGB47 · Post by **DGB47** » 27 Feb 2015, 10:08

I just picked up a 1993 960 6 cylinder wagon with 190k miles. The timing belt went on it and bent the exhaust valves I removed the head and had a shop check the head and replace the exhaust valves. Started to put things back together and could not line up the timing marks. When the cams are aligned the crank is way out. At the same time noticed some play in the crank shaft itself about 1/16", (not sure if that is normal). I then pulled the crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer off the shaft and realized the inside of the pulley was all stripped. Looking for a replacement on that. The splines on the crankshaft seem to be in good shape.
I would like to know from someone who has some experience with these engines if it is normal to have some play in the crank and is there something else I should beware of that would have caused the pulley to strip out? I am able to turn the crank as usual to line up timing marks, and it doesn't seem like anything is hung up there.
Any word of wisdom or caution would be extremely helpful before I put this all back together.
Thanks

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 27 Feb 2015, 21:53

DGB47 wrote:some play in the crank

In what direction? Vertical or Horizontal? If horizontal, it means your thrust bearing has worn; if vertical, your main end bearing has screwed the pooch.

>inside of the pulley was all stripped

I know nothing here...

Crankshaft end play
Max. axial clearance: 0.08-0.19 mm

Main bearing clearance
Max. radial clearance: 0.019-0.043 mm

Ethan Rode · Post by **Ethan Rode** » 28 Feb 2015, 00:39

If there was that much endplay, I wouldn't put it back together without addressing the bottom end. It might make more sense to find a used engine at this point.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 28 Feb 2015, 08:19

Ethan Rode wrote:If there was that much endplay

It depends upon which direction...on a GM auto transmission, it can wear out thrust bearing.

A person can slap a new set of mains/rods in, if there is enough clearance to do it.

I did it years ago on a VW Rabbit, but here, the wore out thrust bearing was done via clutch pedal pressure.

DGB47 · Post by **DGB47** » 28 Feb 2015, 17:32

I'll need to inspect it more thoroughly, but I'm pretty sure it's only horizontal. In and out.
Thanks for all your replies.