Last month we showed how to remove the flywheel from both the

Last month we showed how to remove the flywheel
from both the Animal and flathead engine. This month, we want
to dig a bit deeper into this subject. We will illustrate with more
detailed images, the proper way to remove the flywheels from
both of these engines.
We will begin with the flathead engine. Locate the flywheel holder onto the two thickest fins. These are the ones on
each side of the aluminum area that holds the magnet. Use the
starter clutch tool, or a 15/16 socket if necessary, and with your
pull handle, remove the clutch nut, also known as the starter nut.
Once removed, slide the knocker onto the end of the crank. Strike
a couple solid blows, and the flywheel should be loose and ready
for removal. Remember, don’t ever strike the flywheel with a
hammer, this can damage or even crack it. If your engine has the
crankshaft cutoff at the end of the threads, you need a thread-on
knocker to break the flywheel loose.
On the Animal engine, first remove the plastic fan from
the flywheel with a 10 mm socket. You will notice four 3/8 holes
that are about 3/8 deep on the face of the flywheel. Insert the
flywheel holder into two of these holes to stabilize the flywheel.
Using a 15/16 or 24 mm
socket on your pull handle, remove the flywheel
nut. Take a threaded
knocker and screw it all
the way onto the crankshaft. Once contact is
made, loosen the knocker
about ½ to ¾ turn, and
strike solidly with a hammer, and your flywheel
should be free.
Just a couple
things to remember;
like stated above, don’t
ever strike the flywheel
with a hammer. Damage can be done that is
not immediately seen,
but will certainly have
an adverse affect on
the performance of the engine. Be very careful not to damage
the threads on the crankshaft which is made of cast iron. Cast
iron threads are very fragile. Always use a knocker, and avoid
striking the starter nut. The nut only makes contact with a
small number of threads, and striking the nut as opposed to the
knocker, can tear out the threads, and ruin the crankshaft. Always
lubricate exposed threads before removing the nut; this will also
help insure the quality of the threads.
See you again next month!