Flywheel puller

[JamesCoste]

I've got a 16.5 hp Murray Lawn Tractor. I'm replacing the plastic gear ring under the flywheel with a metal one that they make for them since this is a common problem. The teeth are all chipped up and it won't start anymore.<br /><br />The good news.<br />The replacement part (including the part on the starter that kicks up and activates the flywheel) was less than $30. The old gear ring (or whatever it is called) was rivoted on so I just have to drill out the rivots. The new kit came with the bolts to bolt on the new gear ring.<br /><br />The bad news.<br />I have to remove the flywheel. I've never done this and need some input. I understand that I need a "flywheel puller". I think I can get one from an auto parts store, but how do you use it? I'm embarrassed to ask, but without the tool in hand, I'm not sure. I'm going to get the right puller and work on it this weekend with my FIL (who is a pretty good mechanic).<br /><br />I'm just trying to get prepared.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Flywheel puller

I found a good link myself that has some helpful tips: web page

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Flywheel puller

Seems the $14 'Harmonic Balancer Puller' for cars with the right bolts would work fine:<br /><br />

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Flywheel puller

You could get two big screwdrivers/prybars, one under each side and opposite way to pry up on the bottom of the flywheel evenly. Now screw the nut back on until it is just above the threads. Take the heaviest hammer you have, and as one pulls up with pressure on the flywheel, strike smartly the shaft nut. You object here is to shock the flywheel off its taper. Don't get carried away if it does not come off after a few trys...then get a puller

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Flywheel puller

Just for kicks, I thought I would let you know the last three flywheels I pulled with this trick, was a 1958 Johnny, a 57 Scott Atwater, and just stripped a 3.5 Briggs...all no prob

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Flywheel puller

Thanks for the advice. I might try the screwdrivers/prybar trick before I get the puller.

 

[one more cast]

Re: Flywheel puller

I'm strongly against hammering on a crank shaft or prying on a flywheel. I make most of my pullers but they are cheap and most car parts stores or maybe sears will have pullers that will work. http://shakyparts.com/19203_flywheel_puller.html

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Flywheel puller

You are not "hammering" on a crankshaft, or flywheel. You are basically doing the same thing as a puller would do, and 9 times out of 10 you need to strike the puller center screw anyway to bust tension in the taper. And that way you ARE possibly doing damage to a seal or bearing. (I was a Journeyman Machinist for 21 years). And I have seen more flywheels cracked from ham fisted improper equal tightening of the outer studs than simple two or three equally applied pressure points with large screwdrivers (just watch and use common sense what you are applying pressure to/at), and a sharp rap on the crank nut with a short 6 lb sledge. Its the SHOCK that breaks it loose, not "hammering"...(and ALWAYS make sure you use the nut, ABOVE the threads a touch, to protect and spread the load on the threads). Big engine flywheels, yeah, different story, but this is a little lawn mower engine...sometime a good rap on the side and it falls off....................

 

[one more cast]

Re: Flywheel puller

Robby, If that works for you then fine but there is no way you can get me to "Rap" any part of my motors with a 6 lb. hammer. I just ain't gonna do it.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Flywheel puller

I'll add a technique to Robby6950's, but I don't recommend it necessarily. In the past I have done it this way with slight variation. I make sure the flywheel nut is flush with the end of the crank. Then I place a double-faced hammer on the end of the crank. While applying just enough pressure with 2 screwdrivers to remove the end play, strike the double-faced hammer with another one. That way, you don't deface the crank.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Flywheel puller

Buy the puller JC- anything else is risking a nice fresh SHT posting. Besides, you'll find having a flywheel puller quite useful at times.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Flywheel puller

Rapping a crankshaft, nut or not, is a very, very bad idea. Don't do it. A good harmonic balancer puller costs under $15. It works. It doesn't hurt anything. Use one.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Flywheel puller

I'll be buying a puller. With my lack of skill/experience with removing a flywheel, I'll need to get one. <br /><br />My wife wants me to work on the mower this weekend. I want to build an arbor. I'm halfway done with the arbor.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Thanks everybody for the advice.