Alternative way to pull flywheel?

[gwoloshyn]

I'm trying to pull the flywheel on a 30hp Evinrude using a universal puller from Harbor Freight. It's setup correctly, but I cannot get it to pop. I've tried penetrating oil with no success.

My next option would be to hit it with a (brass?) hammer to try and get it off, but I don't like doing so. What else can I try?

 

[orbanp]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

Do a search, recently (a few weeks ago) there was a thread about a similar problem. Lots of good suggestions, and the guy finally got his flywheel off.

Peter

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

If it is your first time, you may not be pulling on it hard enough.

Some of the Big Twins require a little extra torque. Put an extension on the puller bar with a piece of pipe or something, have someone hold the flywheel then pull on that bar. She will pop, and scare the stuffing out of you! Do NOT hit the flywheel. Pull UP on the flywheel, then rap the center puller bolt with a hammer. The vibrations will often pop the flywheel free. Do this when the puller is tightened down.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

I have come across flywheels that take days under tension to "pop" Tighten, smack the centre puller bolt, add wd40, tighten a little more, leave for a while and repeat the process. It will come eventually.
Good Luck.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

"universal puller"? or universal harmonic balancer puller?

 

[gwoloshyn]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

"universal puller"? or universal harmonic balancer puller?

This is the set I'm using which slots fit right in line with the flywheel threads and the screws I'm using are threaded at least a half inch into the flywheel:

http://www.harborfreight.com/46-piece-bolt-puller-set-37824.html

Thanks for the tips. I'll report back

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

That kit is just fine.

However, replace the bolts with grade 8 bolts. The cheapo ones that come with it will snap/bend.

Also, use a sharpie, and measure 7/16" up from the end of the bolt, then thread them in to that mark.

 

[unleaded]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

I've always thrown an impact wrench on the puller, pops everytime

 

[lindy46]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

I've always thrown an impact wrench on the puller, pops everytime

X2 - agree

 

[AlTn]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

probably goes without saying, but if you use an impact wrench on the center puller bolt make certain the puller is absolutely level and not cocked even slightly or you can pull the threads out of the flywheel esp. when using the 1/4" x 20 tpi bolts, < yes I have, and yes I did>

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

I am also wary about reccomending this. I too have have seen the threads pulled right out of the flywheel. Now you are into drilling and re tapping, just to save a few minutes. Keep the pressure on the gun low, and ensure the puller is perfectly straight as mentioned if you really feel like trying this.

I have never really needed to resort to that on any of the 35hp and down motors though. If you need to use an impact gun, something is wrong.

 

[kknickelson]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

I used a similar puller on my 75 hp. WD40 and let it sit for a while under pressure, then add more turns on the bolt. It will pop and like mentioned scare the H out of you. I would't rap the puller bolt that is in contact with the crank shaft.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

I pulled apart a '92 Evinrude 15 hp last month. It took 4 days, lots of penetrating oil,
full torque on my 1/2" impact wrench, and several good hits with a hammer (over a
couple of days) before it finally popped. Contact surfaces show brown stain, not
actual rust, but something was going on there. The engine showed evidence of
heavy use in salt water, probably a sailboat, since the starter cord was modified
for vertical pull, and the lower unit showed a lot of pitting.

Nice thing was the cylinders and pistons show very little wear. On a sailboat it
was probably run long enough to get warm, but then shut off, so I'm guessing
the hours are probably low.

 

[kodibass]

Re: Alternative way to pull flywheel?

I have the best luck with a air impact gun/socket, set at about 70 psi instead of a ratchet on the puller.