flywheel torque 15hp

[bonzoscott]

I have read much in the forum and trying to get this '78 Johnson 15 going good. It had some minor issues that I corrected and I had it running good for about an hour. It appears that the crank key has come out in the past as there are nicks and gouges in both the wheel and the key. I bought a new key and have worked with it, but I just wanted to ask any experts; is there a precise method of installing the key/wheel? The first couple of times I tried to fit it on I knocked the key out (the magnetics). The Key will fit in there at many angles so I'm guessing that torquing the flywheel down will put the key exactly where it belongs. Furthermore, How do we hold the wheel while torquing down? Oh yeah, and what would be the torque in ft lbs? Thanks in advance!

 

[bktheking]

Re: flywheel torque 15hp

The key should go in to the same angle/taper as the crank, look at it from the side when you do install it. Simply line up the notch in the flywheel with the key and push down on the flywheel until the key lines up. You will need something to hold the entire flywheel while you torque it down, 50ft lbs. I used a rubber adjustable strap wrench to hold it while I torqued it, they aren't that expensive.

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: flywheel torque 15hp

Thanks BK! But like I said, the first couple of tries, I knocked the key out because of the magnetic pull. Would it be safe to say that if I turn the wheel and it turns the crank, that the key is in there?

 

[bktheking]

Re: flywheel torque 15hp

No not really, if the key is not tight and is moving try putting some grease on the key before you put it in, those keys have to stay in place with the flywheel or it throws the timing completely off. I know the magnetic pull you speak of, try rotating the crank by hand to position it so the magnets are at a different spot when you put the flywheel back on, the magnet sounds like it's right on the coil when you put it on.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: flywheel torque 15hp

Is the key you're using a BRP part or from a hardware store? It should fit snugly. I've never had a problem with a key moving after slipping the flywheel into place. Has the keyway been damaged in any way? A non-BRP part will likely fail, due to not being hardened.

 

[bktheking]

Re: flywheel torque 15hp

Nor have I for that matter, good point wilde1j.

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: flywheel torque 15hp

Yes it is a factory key, from the shop2evindude site. It is just that magnetic pull will not allow me to center the wheel as I am putting it on. I know when I have knocked the key out because when I turn the wheel the crank does not move. I believe it is in right now because the crank does move with the wheel. I was just searching for any precautions before I torque it down. I would really hate to ruin the crank. I will work with it and try to find a postion with no magnetic pull.
Thanks Guys.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: flywheel torque 15hp

If the key is in place and the crankshaft rotates, just torque the flywheel nut to the correct value and done.