how do i remove the flywheel?

[cvflats]

I have a 1955 7.5 hp and i am wondering how to get the flywheel off. I rented a harmonic balancer puller and screwed the 3 screws in and now i just dont know how the puller works. (a newbie what can i say - gotta start somewhere) i should be getting my manual tomorrow in the mail (im so excited im getting impatient) and cant wait to start my tune up. do you just tighten the top of the puller or are there other things to loosen first? thanks for your time.

 

[GeneH]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

If you have the puller bolted on you must have removed the recoil starter mechanism already. Make sure to remove the large nut in the center of the flywheel. That should be everything that has to be removed before you pull the flywheel. Make sure you use good hard bolts and get them snugged to the bottom of their holes. Don't overtighten- just snug. Hopefully the flywheel will come off when you tighten the big tool screw. Most say not to beat on the screw with a hammer or you may bend the crankshaft or damage the block.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Getting the flywheel off is one thing, but you have to put it back. You need a strap wrench, and a torque wrench for that.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Don't remove the flywheel nut. Loosen it and thread it out to the top of the crankshaft threads...even steven across the top. Then center the center screw on the puller onto the shaft and tighten it until it POPS...you'll know the sound. Leaving the flywheel nut on keeps the puller shaft from buggering the crankshaft.

 

[cvflats]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

am i missing something (besides bigger tools) here. that sucker is hard to turn. the fly wheel turns with it and i dont think i have budged it. is it supposed to be hard to get off? should i use a strap wrench to provide some traction to pull against?

 

[Xcusme]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Yup, usually, strap wrench needed to remove and install nut. Some have used an impact wrench to REMOVE the nut ONLY, never use the impact gun to install. As was mentioned, you'll need a torque wrench to tighten down the nut to specs, otherwise, it may shear the flywheel key. When replacing the flywheel, do not use any oil or grease on the flywheel taper, it's a dry fit.

 

[FillupD]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Beg or borrow an impact wrench air or electric. It will be worth the effort in my opinion. One squeeze of the trigger on the puller nut and off it pops.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Give the flywheel a few light taps, this will help break the flywheel free from the crank. To keep the flywheel from spinning, remove a spark plug and insert a thick piece of braided rope that will stop the piston.

 

[cvflats]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

I got it! just needed a little more persuasion. thanks for the quick answers. im sure i will have lots more questions coming

 

[wilde1j]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Give the flywheel a few light taps, this will help break the flywheel free from the crank. To keep the flywheel from spinning, remove a spark plug and insert a thick piece of braided rope that will stop the piston.

Not good ideas!

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Don't even consider that rope down the spark plug hole.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Well, I picked up the rope trick from an old school mechanic that's been turning wrenches longer than I've been alive and a big marine shop suggested tapping the flywheel when I couldn't get the flywheel off an outboard.

I don't know,,, maybe it's job security?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

I must be pretty secure in my hobby/job, then.

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Probably not the best idea, but works if you are in a pinch. Thread the bolts into the flywheel without the puller, just the bolts. Take any longish piece of metal that can fit between the bolts. Use this to hold the flywheel steady while using a ratchet or whatever tool of choice for removing the nut. It can be a little tricky to get the "holder" piece of steel and the wrench/ratchet set up, but it does work.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

You're right...Not a good idea at all. Dealing with sheared bolts is a real pain. What ever happened to using the right tool for the task at hand. Sadly, using half measures often results in unnecessary damage, and more work.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

What am I missing here ... Harbor Frght has a harmonic balancer puller for less than $10, only slightly more in most auto parts stores. Just use the right tools and forget the haff *****ed measures.

 

[71Windsor]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

wilde1j - i like your style lol you always chime in and go "hey wake up" kinda thing..


But honestly you can RENT these at autozone/adance for next to nothing they may ask for a deposit but its held and not charged when you bring the tool back.

Like wilde1j said harbor freight has puller SETS for 20$ sure some of them are on the cheesy side and may work 3 times befor falling apart but it will work since it diesnt really sound that you use these novelty tools often any way.

You dont want to break a bolt ez-outs arent what they seem!

Frank Wood
Pennsville NJ

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Considering that is a aluminum rod in that engine , plus a aluminum piston with a thin land above the ring, how much force do you want to but on the rod depending on the angle of the crank, or crush on the aluminum piston. You have an ignition problem with an outboard, use the rope trick, and have a replica of an outboard. Using the correct tool saves grief, and money

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: how do i remove the flywheel?

Okay I feel like a horse's patoot today, so gotta ask the Experts...can I rent a small rope to jam in the cylinder from any rental place? To each his own.