Bad Advice On Flywheel Removal!

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

I was given some bad advice from my local marine parts dealer.... I am a new "old motor" enthusiast. I was trying to replace my ignition parts when I came to a barrier... The flywheel. I removed the nut and washer then tried to lift it. I took my rubber mallet and tapped around the perimeter in a circle... NOTHING. I do not own a gear puller, so I called the local shop. The counter person asked the shop staff and they told me to replace the nut a few turns and then strike down in the center with a small ball pean hammer. Viola' off it came. After reading a bit on this forum, I am getting the idea that I really screwed up when I did this. The motor seems to run ok... Is this a terminal blunder or a "don't do that again" blunder? PS I have purchased a gear puller.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bad Advice On Flywheel Removal!

don't do it again. here's proper way. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=181688

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bad Advice On Flywheel Removal!

If you purchased a "Jaw-type" gear puller rather than a harmonic dampener puller you just made another mistake. Flywheels must not be pulled from the perimiter. You will break it. Tash's picture is the proper way to remove the flywheel. Hammering on the crankshaft is a good way to damage the bearings. If you intend to work on any engine yourself you are well advised to obtain a service manual specific to that engine. While you may balk at the cost of these manuals, consider the cost of major mistake that would have been avoided by referring to the manual. But then the manual is of little use unless you actually look at it.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: Bad Advice On Flywheel Removal!

How will I know if I've wrecked it?... It runs at present... What symptom or diagnostic would indicate the damage to the bearings?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Bad Advice On Flywheel Removal!

What happens if you hit it too hard or too much you'll damage the threads or worse the whole end of the crank.You were lucky it popped right off so apparently you didn't damage anything.Just be sure you followed the prescribed procedure for proper installation of the fly wheel.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Bad Advice On Flywheel Removal!

Also permanent magnets (imbedded in the flywheel for spark trigger origination and alternator input) degauss if struck. How much all depends but it can happen and without magnetization, it's just a piece of alnico metal.

Mark

 

[F_R]

Re: Bad Advice On Flywheel Removal!

Beating on the nut damages the threads and makes it impossible to properly torque the nut when reinstalling. You DID use a torque wrench and torque the nut to 40-45 ft/lbs....didn't you?

Oh, a bell rings: You the guy that was asking about knocking? Probably a loose flywheel.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: Bad Advice On Flywheel Removal!

I will get it torqued to the proper spec tonight and re-test... Time to buy a manual.... too. Feel pretty dumb. Thanks for the advice. Hate to bother you guys with such bush league stuff....

 

[iwombat]

Re: Bad Advice On Flywheel Removal!

The only bad question is the one that goes unasked. Keep the questions rolling.