Flywheel Screwup - 50hp

[John in WI]

I admit it. I'm brain dead.
While replacing the trigger assembly on my '83 50 hp 4cyl., I removed the 8 center bolts and separated the flywheel from the center hub. Now I don't know how the keyway sits in relation to the timing marks on the outer edge of the wheel.
Can anyone help me put this back together properly?

John

 

[Laddies]

Re: Flywheel Screwup - 50hp

Stick a screwdriver in # 1` cyl and roll the engine to TDC then align the TDC mark

 

[j_martin]

Re: Flywheel Screwup - 50hp

You ain't brain dead. It takes brains to realize and admit a mistake.

Brain dead would throw it back on, then post a "I can't get no spark" thread.

John

 

[John in WI]

Re: Flywheel Screwup - 50hp

Thanks for the help!
On inspecting the flywheel, I see the number scale indicating degrees, but I don't see a specific TDC mark. Do I set the pointer at zero?

John

 

[Laddies]

Re: Flywheel Screwup - 50hp

Try 0

 

[John in WI]

Re: Flywheel Screwup - 50hp

Thanks for all the advice.
I've replaced the trigger and set the flywheel at 0 degrees with the #1 at TDC. The motor fired right up, but still runs rough- although much better than before the trigger replacement. All four cylinders are sparking and when at idle the motor runs at 5 degrees to the right of 0 (zero).
I moved the flywheel one bolt each way of the zero mark, but see no improvements in the "miss".
Should I continue to move further out on the bolt pattern or am I only risking damaging my engine?
John

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Flywheel Screwup - 50hp

You need to set the timing in accordance with the proper link and sync procedure. Moving the outer flywheel does not change the timing.

 

[John in WI]

Re: Flywheel Screwup - 50hp

The link and sync is next on my agenda. I just want to be sure I have the flywheel correct before I begin. From what I can tell, I'm at the correct BTDC position at idle speed. Now I need to fine tune. I tore into this one far too quickly and am paying the price.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Flywheel Screwup - 50hp

John, The outer flywheel can only be installed in one of 8 ways. 360 degrees of rotation/8 is 45 degrees. So, if you install the flywheel incorrectly by one hole, your timing will read 45 degrees off. In other words, if you stick a screwdriver into the top cylinder, set the piston to TDC, and your timing is within +-44 degrees of TDC, you have the installed the outer flywheel correctly.