Engine lets out a puff of smoke but doesn't even sputter when attempting to start

[jetpackjbd]

Using a rattle gun on the offical puller usually shifts them
Molten aluminium does not adhere to steel
When filling in holes in aluminium base plates and mower decks I use a piece of steel which just falls off
I did have an old 8 Hp that took a couple of days to shift
Do not heat around the edges pr hit it with a hammer as that can dislodge the magnets inside

Thanks for the reply, what should I use the rattle gun on? The bolts seem to be in enough, I thought I was supposed to be tightening down the nuts on the puller. I don't know if I can really use a drill on a nut in this case

 

[jetpackjbd]

Final update:
I managed to get the flywheel off using a combination of the flywheel puller, a hammer, and a crowbar. The flywheel key was sheared, but I think I originally sheared it in the process of getting it off... I replaced the key and still no luck, it backfires and smokes but that's it. I bought proper feeler gauges and the valve gap was perfect, seemed to have been adjusted recently.
So, after spending around $75 and hours of my time, I've given up. It's not worth it, so I'll be giving it away soon. Today I bought a similar compatible engine for $100, a 12.5HP instead of the original 13HP. Supposedly they're practically identical, just the 13HP's carburetor is tuned a bit different. Both are from around the same year and are in the 28000 series. Almost done swapping the engine, should work fine. The seller ran it in front of me, pretty confident it'll survive a few more years in a mower. Thanks to everyone for the help!

 

[slomo]

Only one way to find out if the key was sheared or not. New key is only a couple bucks.

 

[jetpackjbd]

Only one way to find out if the key was sheared or not. New key is only a couple bucks.

Yeah, I bought a pack of new keys and had no luck. That was what finally made me give in and buy a new motor..

 

[James K]

Gotta love Taryl!