Stuck flywheel 1960 Merc 35hp

[steveh]

I was over at my buddy Mike’s house tonight. He has a 1960 Merc 35hp and was trying to get the flywheel off. We had the puller really torqued down. I told him before we break something let me ask the experts…

This is an electric start motor with a battery charger on it. Any thoughts on how to get the flywheel off?

Thanks,

Steve.

[dave-bernard]

take the nut loose not off. put the 3 bolt puller on straight tighten the center bolt tight as you can. then hit the center bolt hard re tighten and do it again. if you have an impact gun use it. if it still does not come walk away till tomorrow and repeat. it will come with a pop that is why you keep the nut on a few turns and it protects the threads.

[vintin]

Dave would you also suggest pulling up on the flywheel and holding it up as the center bolt on the puller is hit hard?

[dave-bernard]

not needed the puller is doing that.

[Tubs]

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by Tubs.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by Tubs.

[joecb]

What Tubs said +++ , Important to lift up on the flywheel as you strike. Best if an extra set of hands can lift the wheel evenly. On a really stubborn wheel I have actually propped up the wheel with two 2X4’s down to the ground, this ensures that all the energy of the hammer blow goes to the taper joint and not down to the bearings and seals.

Joe B

[green-thumbs]

Try the heat and wax technique. I did on a KF7 flywheel that all the usual tricks failed to budge.
Use torch to warm up hub of flywheel and crankshaft… hot enough to melt wax but not so hot as to toast coils. Then touch area with a piece of wax such as a birthday candle.
Wax enters the taper by capillary action. I had the puller in place and under tension
and in a few seconds I could lift the puller and flywheel free of crankshaft.
It worked for me and is worth a try. I was told this is an old steam engine trick.
Louis

[mike-stroz]

I had a Briggs and Stratton FH (not an outboard, but same problem) that the flywheel just wouldn’t come off of, and I used some PB Blaster and let it soak for a day, then used a blowtorch to heat it, and finally got it off after I knocked it loose with a hammer and piece of wood (hardwood). Maybe you could try this in combination with the puller?

[johnny-infl]

another option: try a mix of 50% acetone %50 automatic trans fluid.
I have been using it the past few months and prefer it over PB Blaster.

[Author]

Posts