Flywheel puller

[itstippy]

I'll be pulling the flywheel on my recently acquired 1967 Johnson 20HP FD21R so I can get at the points, condensers etc. The manuals say I can't use the three-arm gear puller I use on B&S small engines - I'll ruin the flywheel. Gotta have a puller that has bolts to thread into tapped holes on the wheel itself. I've seen "universal" pullers of this type for sale on eBay - a plate with multiple three-hole combinations and a selection of bolt sizes. Is this what I need? Or should I go to Sears or NAPA and get a specific puller, and if so what size? What do you experienced outboard tuners use? Thanks!

 

[bjarnold]

Re: Flywheel puller

I use a universal bolt puller from Harbor Freight Tools. It works well and it only $9.99.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Flywheel puller

Anything that you can get that will pull on the three bolt holes will work stippy. Like the manual says, DO NOT use a gear puller.

 

[itstippy]

Re: Flywheel puller

Thanks folks. I found a good-looking kit online for $16 delivered. Sure am enjoying tinkering with this old outboard. I'm learning a lot in the process, plus I get to order new tools like this "harmonic balancer puller".

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Flywheel puller

Most kits won't come with the three 1/4"-20 TPI 3" or 4" long bolts you'll need. You should be able to find them at the local hardware store. Get the best grade bolt you can find (Grade 8 would be good).<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Flywheel puller

The best bolts to use are those, like the one's that come with the OMC puller. You can find these in most machine catalog's. They are a shouldered bolt, called a stripper bolt, also order the hardened washers to go with them. For your engine you want the bolts threaded 1/4-20. If you order from Enco, or MSC you will have them in a matter of days, they are great on delivery. Using a common bolt from the hardware store can damage the threads in the flywheel, and that can be a real pain.

 

[itstippy]

Re: Flywheel puller

You are correct. The kit I ordered does not come with 1/4" 20TPI bolts. I will look for the best quality I can find. Thanks again.