[Fot] Key question

[DAVE HOGYE]

I tore down an engine with the same type of crank failure.  Front bearing cap broken too. 
I recently passed the block to someone that needed one and found a spare front cap that seemed to fit perfectly.  Of course, I suggested a line bore/hone.  
 
I have a number of spare caps, if anyone ever happens to need one. 
 
My stash of spare blocks is being depleated.  
 
Dave H. 

> On 02/08/2026 1:39 PM PST Philip Gott via Fot <fot at autox.team.net> wrote:
>  
>  
> In fairness to our beloved cars, a billet crank may have made things worse in this case. Number 1 cylinder cracked catastrophically, the cylinder hydro locked and the rest is history…
> Block was spared but number one bearing cap cracked as well.  Had a billet crank been in there I could have lost the head and/or block as well as the crank! 
> I used the picture for everyone’s amusement.
> Phil
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> 
> > On Feb 8, 2026, at 2:49 PM, bill at ponostyle.com wrote:
> > 
> > 
> 
> > Oof, I’ve seen that before IRL not just a picture. The worst ever was an engine from a Jag 420 (a genuine piece O’ crap except for the lovely dashboard). The engine was running, but when I took it apart the crank came out in six pieces. The transmission made the engine look primo. I guess it’s buyer beware when you buy a Jag for 1000 bux. 
> > Bill
> > 
> > 
> > > On Feb 8, 2026, at 06:41, vfracing--- via Fot <fot at autox.team.net> wrote:
> > >  
> > > Moldex and Marine Crankshaft
> > >  
> > > On Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 09:52:19 AM EST, Bert Brown <moosehd2 at pacbell.net> wrote:
> > >  
> > >  
> > >  
> > > Not that I’m in the market right now but who is making billet cranks for our cars at this time?   Thanks. 
> > >  
> > > Bert Brown
> > > GP90
> > > 
> > > 
> > > > On Feb 8, 2026, at 4:31 AM, Philip Gott via Fot <fot at autox.team.net> wrote:
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > 
> > > >  
> > > > 
> > >  
> > > Thank you, everyone! Everyone seems to agree this is a good idea. Combining the single key with the Miata taper is an added plus (thanks, Joe).
> > > As has been said many times before, this is a great group. The willingness to share info to help keep these cars on the track is a real bonus for all.
> > > See you at Mosport!
> > > Phil
> > > Sent from my iPhone
> > > 
> > > 
> > > > On Feb 6, 2026, at 7:28 PM, Joe Boruch <jaboruch at yahoo.com> wrote:
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > 
> > > >  
> > > > Phil, Miatas use a single long woodruff key that is tapered at one end.  Just need to make sure that when assembling that the taper is on the inside and facing the crank to match the taper in the keyway.  Some engine builders have gotten this wrong with not so good results.  Attached is a pic of the Miata omne.  JoeB
> > > > <1770424069735blob.jpg>
> > > >  
> > > > On Friday, February 6, 2026 at 12:55:20 PM EST, Philip Gott via Fot <fot at autox.team.net> wrote:
> > > >  
> > > >  
> > > > Hi all;
> > > > I’m thinking of ordering a billet crankshaft.  Am wondering if anyone has had one made with a single long keyway in the nose instead of two woodruff keys. Are there any durability/stress riser/fatigue  or other downside issues with a long single keyway? It would make assembly of the front pulley onto the crank so much easier if/when it has to be done in the car (which we’ve had to do several times).
> > > > Phil
> > > >  
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > Sent from my iPhone_______________________________________________
> > > > fot at autox.team.net mailto:fot at autox.team.net
> > > > 
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> > > > <1770424069735blob.jpg>
> > > > 
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