Fd-15 1961 28hp Johnson Flywheel Removal

[LCCRUISER]

Hi,

First post. I have a fine little 28 that seems to want to run more on 1 cylinder than 2. It won't idle or run slow without stalling and occasionally will stay in 1 cylinder mode all the way to WOT for a minute or 2 until it clears. Naturally I suspect the ignition to be bad.

Unfortunately, I can't seem to get the flywheel off. The retaining nut came off without any difficulty, but I can't get the flywheel pulled.

I have a harmonic balance puller with a 1/2" center bolt plus I picked up the obligatory 1/4 X 20 grade 8 bolts mentioned in the forums. I have sprayed some penetrating oil on it over the course of a couple weeks. Once I have the puller snugged up tight, I add a piece of pipe to ratchet and have exerted quite a bit of force. So much force that the 1/2" center bolt on the puller deformed at the bottom and only the section above the puller is turning. I can pull on it harder, but that would only snap the bolt.

Everything in the forums I've read make this sound like a simple task if you have a puller. I never expected that I would break a puller. I figure I must be overlooking something.

Any help would be appreciated!

LC

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Fd-15 1961 28hp Johnson Flywheel Removal

once you get the pressure on it rap the end of the puller with a dead blow hammer. Oiling it won't do any good.

 

[F_R]

Re: Fd-15 1961 28hp Johnson Flywheel Removal

Get a better puller. You have to pull HARD! Then tighten it up and pull harder. If it still won't come lift up on the flywheel and give the puller bolt a swat with a hammer (Don't beat it with a sledge). They are hard to get off and you have to get after it like you mean it. Oil won't help, and don't be tempted to heat it.
EDIT: Reading the question again, FD is an 18hp. A 28hp is RX The 18 is a lot easier to get off than a 28. So, which do you have?

 

[patrickray]

Re: Fd-15 1961 28hp Johnson Flywheel Removal

I had the same problem on my 9.5. I ended up tighting the puller bolts a quarter turn at a time. But, just so you know. When sucker comes loose. Its going to sound like you broke something.

 

[LCCRUISER]

Re: Fd-15 1961 18hp Johnson Flywheel Removal

Re: Fd-15 1961 18hp Johnson Flywheel Removal

DUMB ME! It's an 18, not a 28. I have a 28 on the wish list. I've pretty much done all the suggestions. My next thought is to get a better center bolt for the puller since I also have to get 3 new grade 8 bolts 1/4X20. Those are toast as well. THANKS!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Fd-15 1961 28hp Johnson Flywheel Removal

Sorry, I just reread FR's post and decided to remove my suggestion.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[Basher]

Re: Fd-15 1961 28hp Johnson Flywheel Removal

I had the same problem on my 9.5. I ended up tighting the puller bolts a quarter turn at a time. But, just so you know. When sucker comes loose. Its going to sound like you broke something.

LC,

When I pulled mine and she finally popped I said "OH @%#$, NOW IVE DONE IT!" I really did think that I had broken something, there is definately a loud pop. What are you using to hold the flywheel with when loosening the bolt? I had my father in law grab on good and tight.

Basher

 

[LCCRUISER]

Re: Fd-15 1961 28hp Johnson Flywheel Removal

Not sure I should take advice from a guy with Basher for a handle But, I will!

Everyone has been very helpful, thanks! I will just go back to the hardware store and get 3 more grade eight 1/4X20 bolts and a grade 8 bigboy for the puller. If my FIL was local, I'd ask him to watch to see if it was coming his way

I'll get to it tomorrow or at the end of the week and let everyone know. In the meantime, I just picked up an 18' center console wtih an 88 Special on the transom. More work eventually I presume.

Later.......................zzzzzzzzzz