From: sherpa "at" homemail.com Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 17:45:51 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Flywheel Pulling Hi All, I'm trying to pull the flywheel off of my "new" '79 Sherpa T, and it doesn't want to come off. There's only 5 threads inside the flywheel (Femsa), and I'm concerned that if I put much more torque on the puller, it's going to pull the threads out of the flywheel. Are there any tricks to remove a flywheel that might have been on for 20 years? Thanks in advance, SFG -------------------------------------------------------------- SFG, Hopefully a wise one will come to your aid, but I suggest a Big Friggen Hammer ! [No, no I'm just kiddin'... sort of] A number of variables can affect your dilemma . #1, is the bike running? If not, suspect a sheared flywheel key , it can add to difficulty of removal. #2 I assume you applied penetrating oil , did you apply [carefully] a judicious amount of heat to help penetration? #3 you have only 5 threads? is this the result that this has been attempted before?You need as much penetration of the puller that is afforded. #4After 'torqueing' down the puller , did you 'rap' the end [puller] with a hammer [preferred brass], then repeat .[beware of #3] #5Proceding with #4, 'rap' the flywheel on the 'key' side alternating 180 degrees [brass hammer] #6Repeat #2 thru #5 #7 Go get a 6-pack and try it again tomorrow ! Guluk!, Scott -------------------------------------------------------------- Make sure the threads inside the flywheel are clean. If the threads on the puller are not perfect, buy a new one. Place a dab of grease on the end of the crank so the puller threaded pin doesn't gall the machined end of the crank (this would make the crank difficult to align later). Tighten the puller and make sure it threads into the flywheel as far as possible. Tighten the threaded pin on the flywheel puller and lightly tap the bolt head with a hard plastic mallet. A smaller steel hammer could be used but you run the risk of misaligning the crank. If that doesn't do it, lightly heat the center hub of the flywheel with a propane torch, taking care not to shoot the flame through any holes in the flywheel (this could harm the windings inside). Spray penetrating oil (carefully, if the crank is too hot it might ignite the oil) between the end of the crank and the hub. Retighten the puller and tap it again with the mallet. This should do it. Jon Stoodley JSE Racing -------------------------------------------------------------- SFG, Now you're in good hands ! I have a 1950[?] Simplex [scooter]project that ended up with the flywheel coming off the hub after endless attempts . Sometimes you can't win but patience is a virtue . I use the hammer[brass] carefully if the afformentioned doesn't work . Don't forget to put a new crankseal in before you put it back together . Oh yeah , finish the 6-pack after you finish the work ! :^) Gotta fly ! [to Utah !] Scott -------------------------------------------------------------- I would suggest tighting the puller as tight as possible then rap the bolt with the Heavy BRASS hammer, Hard, then tighten the bolt again and repeat. Repeat this enough times it should pop free. As long as the threads look ok I wouldn't worry about them stripping out they are steel. Actually I would probably just rap on it with a big 1/2" air impact, That should loosen it Hope this helps Chet \\\0tO -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to all of the great advice on this list, my flywheel is now off! Last night, I greased the end of the crank, then torqued the flywheel puller as tight as I felt safe, then tapped the head of the bolt a few times, then re-torqued the puller, then tapped the head, then re-torqued the puller, then tapped the head, etc., etc. I think the 6-pack advice was the key -- just before frustration set in, I quit and drank till I forgot about it. Then this morning, I went back into the garage, and on the second try, it popped off. Cool! A little more work, and it'll be ready for vintage events. Thanks again, Steve G. -------------------------------------------------------------- |