[MXTex]

When assembling my 428 several years ago I noticed the woodruff key located on the crank snout to not be in perfect shape. It was fine for locating the crank gear and harmonic balancer; but the level of engagement (depth into the gear and balancer) was not as good as it could have been. At the time, I researched it and found that the primary role of the woodruff key is to properly locate the gear and balancer on the crank snout. While the compressive force applied by properly torqing the balancer bolt is what actually holds these pieces in place when the engine is running.

Motor is running fine but this is still in the back of my mind. Does the woodruff key play a role in keeping the crank gear and balancer in place when the engine is running? I've got another key but don't want to go back into the motor if I don't have to. And yes, I should have just put a new one in at assembly. But..........I didn't.

Thanks in advance.