Quick question on the front pulley

After pulling the front eccentric shaft pulley off and making sure the Key way key was in place, I placed the new Front pulley on. It did not fit correctly, so i pulled it off to realign it again. After pulling it off the Key slightly pulled out and is now unable to be pushed back in.

From my understanding this caused the thrust bearing to fall down and block the key's entrance... Is this correct or does anyone have a suggestion on how to place the key back in?

The photos had a error so I am unable top post photos

Thanks

 

Is the motor in the car?

If it is you must push the clutch pedal down to hold the bearings in place. The key does not keep the bearings from falling down.

Do not tighten the front pulley hub / E-shaft bolts if there is a chance the bearings dropped.

I just had to fix an rx8 motor that someone did the same thing on.

-billy

 

Motor is out of the car.

 

Looks like i am going to pull the front cover off and put all bearings back.

 

Yes, since it is out of the car, sit it on the flywheel and pull the front cover. That is the best way to make sure they are back in place.

-billy

 

Might as well pull the front cover off otherwise all heck can break loose.. It would be a prime opportunity to upgrade to a 17.5mm oil pump and 85 psi rear oil pressure regulator.