Antique Engine Flywheel Removal
November/December 1984
Bud Motry
2,0201 Arthur Road Big Rapids, Michigan 49307
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Engine flywheel removal may sometimes be a problem. Especially
after forty or fifty years abandonment to the elements of weather.
The procedures discussed here have resulted in success for me. The
first thing I would do is to clean off the outer ends of the
crankshaft. A file may be necessary to remove some nicks and burrs.
After the burrs are removed I use a strip of medium grit emery
cloth to clean and polish the shaft. Be sure to clean the key way
too.
You will notice that most engines have a slight end-thrust on
the crankshaft. Take advantage of this end-thrust! Tip the engine
over on its side, with a block of wood supporting the end of the
shaft. A 2' x 6' wood block may be used for this purpose.
The reason for this step is to loosen the flywheel preparatory to
removal.
A heavy pipe sleeve may be used over the end of the shaft to
drive on the hub of the flywheel. However, I use an alternative
adapter made from a heavy piece of angle iron about eight inches
long. There is a ' steel plate welded to the top of the angle
iron, to drive on. This adapter is held in place with a 'C'
clamp, as shown in photo
#1. Using an eight or ten pound sledge, tap lightly on the
adapter. Now check the flywheel closely to see if it has moved.
Tap harder with the sledge, as necessary to move the flywheel.
You should also check the end thrust. If there is no end-thrust do
not pound on the flywheel any more. Remember, the movement may only
amount to fifty thousandth (.050) of an inch. Now notice the shape
of the key in the keyway. If the key has a head on it, and looks
like this: