Best way to remove sheared flywheel key

[Honest John]

what's a good technique for removing the key from the crank once it's sheared ? This one is flush, and can't seem to get it out of there. Is there a trick to it besides beating it with a punch ?

 

[dall]

hammer and small punch

 

[Lee H]

Hit the corner with a good small punch to try to roll it out.
It will move.

 

[fearofpavement]

pound it down on one end and the other end will hopefully lift up a bit. (a nail set punch or similar for this task)

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Leave it, cut a new slot so you can advance the timing.

 

[Honest John]

Ended up getting it out with the punch. I just worry about damaging the seal. I hit it with a bit of penetrating oil too before I started beating on it. I think that helped.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I keep an ice pick for that purpose, just a slight tap on the handle usually does it..

 

[MustangMike]

The punch is likely the best advice, but I have also tapped a screwdriver with the hammer to get them out.