The key is replaceable separately If I remember correctly.

 

Yes, but I’m not sure that I can pull of the crank timing sprocket with the key that’s been mashed.

 

Can you pull the key with some channel locks?

 

I can try but not even not even my vice grips could really hold on.

 

This reminds me so much of when I got my sti and immediately started breaking it.

You have a long but very worth it road ahead of you

 

Haha yeah it’s my first real car, but I guess you can’t learn until you fail sometimes.

 

I've had this happen...autozone has a kit with somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 in a box for not much...they act like they don't fit but they do...may have to use hammer an a screwdriver to get it out. They are soft metal to fail instead of taking the nose of the crank off. Called a Woodruff key.

 

Ooooo, thanks for the suggestion! How should I orient the tools when attempting removal? I can’t really take the sprocket off because the key itself is a little smushed over the hole. Do you think it’ll loosen up just by a couple good whacks?

 

You will have to take the sprocket off...I have a screwdriver that is the same size as the width of it...I just go straight on, it looks like a crescent moon an the crank matches it. If there's enough left just grab it with some pliars or vice grips an wiggle it out

 

Might be a dumb question, but do you think the sprocket can still come off with the key disfigured?

 

Yup, might be tough but the key is soft lead

 

I would suggest tap 2 holes on the sprocket to put bolts in an then you can pry it forward using those an something to bridge them

 

Not sure if I’ve got the equipment to tap 2 holes, would a harmonic balanced removal tool work?

 

Maybe...the teeth are easily damaged...thankfully the sprocket is cheap if that happens

 

Use a drill bit size that can screw on a small screw, drill the key and turn a screw it. Then use a vice/plier to pull the screw.

 

judging from the images and the little testing i did on my spare short block, your best bet imo will be straighten the key back down with a punch and hammer, then remove the sprocket to replace the key. I don't believe there's enough of a gap to install a new key with the sprocket in place. it's a pretty tight fit and I had to tap it on the flat with a hammer to get it in place.

 

I don't know what we are talking about here. Just buy a new sprocket and slap it on. Shit happens and it was a mistake. Playing all these games no matter what you have to take the coves off to get to the key and they try to replace it or shave it down blah blah blah.

Nope. Buy a new one. I have multiple spares of these kicking around and someone near you does as well who would most likely just give it to you for free

ebay, $23... Subaru Crankshaft Timing Sprocket Gear ej253 & ej255 13021AA141 Forester Impreza | eBay