Removing the flywheel

Joined
May 14, 2006
Messages
11
I have a 1985 150HP Evinrude and need to remove the flywheel to get at the regualtor/rectifier. The flywheel has three threaded holes that appear to be for putting screws through and lifting the flywheel off the shaft by evenly addidng pressure to the shaft with small increases in turning like replacing the tire on your car. I am just looking for confirmation that this is indeed the intended use for these holes as opposed to a tradition puller that is more perimeter based. I am also open to ideas on how to hold the shaft steady while loosening the bolt holding the fly wheel in place. Appreciate any and all help.
 

RPJS

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 29, 2002
Messages
1,572
Re: Removing the flywheel

NO!!<br />The holes are for the 3 bolts of a harmonic puller. If you try to remove the flywheel the way you are sugesting you are likely to cause a lot of damage under the flywheel.<br />Do not use a traditional puller as you may well damage the flywheel.<br />I would strongly recomend that you use the harmonic puller.
 

Xcusme

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Apr 21, 2003
Messages
2,888
Re: Removing the flywheel

Yup, that's what the 3 holes are for. DO NOT use any type of puller on the outer rim of the flywheel. A harmonic balancer type puller is what you'll need. I use a strap wrench to hold the flywheel stationary when replacing the flywheel. Some use a properly fitted socket and impact wrench to remove the flywheel nut. Be sure to clean the crankshaft taper upon flywheel installation and do not not use any lubricant on the taper, this is a dry fit. Use a torque wrench to tighten the flywheel nut to specs.
 
Joined
May 14, 2006
Messages
11
Re: Removing the flywheel

Thanks, I thought it did not seem right. Is there a special puller for engines or a generic one will work?
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
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Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Removing the flywheel

harmonic balancer type puller available at auto parts stores....
 

Xcusme

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Apr 21, 2003
Messages
2,888
Re: Removing the flywheel

Generic harmonic balancer pullers work just fine. I'm pretty sure it's a 1/4-20 bolt pattern.
 
Joined
May 14, 2006
Messages
11
Re: Removing the flywheel

Anyone remeber what the torque specs are for retightening the flywheel nut? Is the strap wrench the best for holding ths crankshaft?
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: Removing the flywheel

You need a flywheel holder, not a strap wrench. NAPA can order one. Torque is > 100 ft-lbs. Check shop manual for value.
 

javsam

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Aug 24, 2005
Messages
421
Re: Removing the flywheel

be sure and screw the bolts all the way down into the threaded holes,this lessens the chance of stipping out the threads.and if you cant hold the flywheel with a holder,sometimes putting a rope into the cylinder to stop the piston works.And yes as stated, only use a harmonic puller.<br />javsam
 

Xcusme

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Apr 21, 2003
Messages
2,888
Re: Removing the flywheel

With all due respect....putting a rope in the cylinder is NOT a good suggestion. Shearing the rope in the intake and exhaust ports can be a real pain when the piston moves. Physically holding the flywheel is the best bet...
 
Joined
May 14, 2006
Messages
11
Re: Removing the flywheel

If you use an impact wrench for the flywheel nut, do you still need the flywheel holder or may some alternative method work. I was trying to get this done and not wait for an ordered part...of course I would rather not risk any damage. Some one suggested using the crank rope to secure the flywheel to a cleat or tow bar? Thoughts? Thanks for the feedback. I have got a harmonic puller at home, so this is the last step...
 

KYHunter2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 20, 2006
Messages
512
Re: Removing the flywheel

I am going to tell you, how I have done it, and it worked fine.<br /><br /> Now , this is not the recommended way .<br /><br /> Nor, am I telling you, to do it this way.<br /> <br /> On some motors , Im not sure about yours.<br /><br /> The lifting eye, is real close to the edge of the flywheel.<br /><br /> I cut a chunk out of an old tire . <br /><br /> I turn the flywheel , while sticking the piece of rubber, between lifting eye and flywheel teeth.<br /><br /> As long as the rubber piece, is large enough , that it won't slip through. <br /><br /> It works great.<br /><br /> Good - Luck,<br /><br /> KYHunter
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: Removing the flywheel

Although not the recommended method, I have used the impact wrench technique a number of times on large motors w/o any problems. The big advantage is not needing a flywheel holder for loosening or tightening. It's hard to get the recommended torque when replacing the flywheel, since impact tools are not calibrated. Does work, though.<br /><br />You still need a method of restraining the flywheel when using the puller, however.
 

h_lankford

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Aug 6, 2005
Messages
135
Re: Removing the flywheel

I do kyHunter2 method,<br /><br />just use a piece of wood wedged in (driven with hammer with 3 or 4 good blows.) some pine is too soft and will rip up. hardwood works better. can use this to hold flywheel for removal or reinstallation of nut and it will withstand my 105 ftlb torque. never had it fly off and be a missle. you can easily feel it slipping if is not wedged in tight enough. Have also use the strap method.
 

h_lankford

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 6, 2005
Messages
135
Re: Removing the flywheel

the 105 I mentioned was for my 60 hp. yours will likely be a different reading, its a bit of a grunt, do you have torque wrench?????pretty important if you want to keep the flywheel from decapitating you.
 
Joined
May 14, 2006
Messages
11
Re: Removing the flywheel

I have a torque wrench, just not the number! My guess is that the required value is over 105!
 
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