To remove or not to remove... that is the question

[imported_tweeter]

1959 18hp fastwin has electric starter ring gear attatched to flywheel. Can it be removed without affecting flywheel balance or engine performance?
Engine does not have an electric starter, only pull cord.

 

[itstippy]

Re: To remove or not to remove... that is the question

Every 18-20-25 HP of this series (22ci, late 1950's - mid 1970's) I've seen has had that starter ring. Very few actually had electric start. Often there are 2-5 holes bored in the top of the ring that were obviously done at the factory to remove a small amount of metal and balance the flywheel assembly (the flywheel itself has holes bored on the underside for the same reason). I suspect that ring is part of the engineered balance of the powerhead and should not be removed. I may be wrong, but if it came with that ring I would not remove it. Is it causing an issue of some kind?

 

[clint]

To remove or not to remove... that is the question

If it's not broken don't fix it. Why would you remove the gear? It definately would affect the balance of the fly wheel if you take it off. I would leave well enough alone.
Clint

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: To remove or not to remove... that is the question

The ring gear cannot be removed without affecting engine performance. Leave it where it belongs.

 

[F_R]

Re: To remove or not to remove... that is the question

The weight of the ring gear is necessary for good idle and easy starting. Not only that, but I don't want to be around any motor that has had somebody messing with the flywheel. That's a good way to get killed.