JW 10 Stuck Flywheel

[Stimpson]

I'm working on a JW 10 that hasn't been started in about 10 years but was very well maintained and winterized after last being used. I took the spark plugs out and pulled the starter a few times to see that the pistons moved freely. Everything moved fine and looked ok so I cleaned and gapped the plugs and put them back. I took off the air intake next to look at the carb. It was very clean so everything went back. I then tried to pull the starter again and it wouldn't budge. The starter mechanism worked fine when I removed it from the top of the motor. With the notch in the flywheel facing the front of the motor, I can move it by hand 1-1/4 turns clockwise and then back counter clock-wise but that’s as far as it goes. Any idea why the flywheel won't move outside of this range?

 

[JB]

Re: JW 10 Stuck Flywheel

Ahoy, Stimpson.<br /><br />Hmmm. It turned fine. Then you reinstalled the plugs. Now it doesn't turn all the way.<br /><br />Pull the plugs again and try it again. If it turns okay with the plugs out you have a problem with a piston hitting a plug; too long reach, no gasket, too much carbon on piston crown.<br /><br />You should have Champion J6C plugs, gapped at .030, with a fresh gasket, tightened 1/4 turn more than finger tight.<br /><br />If it still blocks with the plugs out, remove the intake manifold and reed assembly and inspect for mechanical failure. No trouble there, remove the flywheel and inspect. Still no problem? Remove the cylinder head and look for an obstruction.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: JW 10 Stuck Flywheel

To add to JB's post - the same thing will happen if the cylinder head has been removed and then re-installed upside down...<br />- Scott