fly wheel problems

[fab it all]

I have an old log splitter with a briggs 5 hp horizontal model 130232 type 0036-01 code 79121707 with a sticker under neath that reads L-458293 Here's the problem. it's my father in laws log splitter and i borrowed it. last year he replaced the coil points and condenser. It ran fine the whole time i used it started and shut it off repeatadley. no problems...... went to start it before loading it on the truck to return it tried to start it and no spark. coil is gapped good @.010 tried to take the recoil hub off to get to the points and snapped off one the cooling fins off the fly wheel (cast iron) the motor only runs between 1875 and 2000 rpm. will it hurt the motor with only one missing or should i try to weld it back on (I'm a welder for a living and have a ton of nickel rod) A new fly wheel is 108 and change....really want to avoid that route if i can but if i have to it is what it is. any help would be appreciated

 

[exotion]

fly wheel needs to be balanced :/ i think you need a new one

 

[Rivets]

Try running it and see how much vibration you have. Unit should cool ok, but if to far out of balance could cause problems. I would check the local repair shops in your area, that is an engine you might find in their junk pile, with a flywheel on it.

 

[reynoldston]

I have seen engines with a broken flywheel fin and the seen to run just fine. But if the balance brothers you, You could weld it back on but still try to balance it. or you would or break one off just opposite side to balance it. I wouldn't see why you couldn't use a blade balancer to balance the flywheel.

 

[fab it all]

give it a shot without welding . If it vibrates to much i'll snap off the opposite one if that is no good just have to get a new flywheel i guess....thanks for the input guys

 

[exotion]

it would be best just to replace any extra vibration means more wear and tear on the engine it might run fine for a while but eventually somethings gotta give

 

[fab it all]

O.K. got it running again. what worked was snapping the opposite side of and grinding the both broken tabs until it balanced out in the machine shop @ work. that took care of the flywheel the no spark issue was carbon tracking on the points/condenser. gave her the ole file, clean, and gap and it runs like a top THANK YOU GUYS for your words of wisdom during my moment of idiocy.