Is this flywheel key bad enough to cause rough running?

[PeteAU]

Hi LawnWorld,

The title says it all really. Is this bad enough to cause rough running, e.g. some pops/crackles in the exhaust, hunting idle and sometimes kickback in the starter cord?

I've already cleaned the carby and tried 3 different (used) spark plugs, so I guess this is it. The flywheel ain't budging though (can't get it off yet)...

 

[ILENGINE]

Very minor offset results in major timing changes. I wouldn't be surprised if that amount of offset advances the timing 5 degrees. So instead of firing at 13 degrees BTDC it is now firing at 18-20 degrees BTDC

 

[Fish]

What is your problem removing it? What method are you using?

 

[Fish]

Is the crankshaft bent on the other side?

 

[PeteAU]

Very minor offset results in major timing changes. I wouldn't be surprised if that amount of offset advances the timing 5 degrees. So instead of firing at 13 degrees BTDC it is now firing at 18-20 degrees BTDC

Perfect, thanks. Now I know this needs fixing to get it running right.

What is your problem removing it? What method are you using?

I've tried prying while hitting the nut/shaft with a hammer. Tried gentle hitting from underneath. Tried heating it with a heat-gun (paint stripper). Reluctant to really hit it hard, I realize it's aluminium.
Next I might try tapping M8 threads into the two little holes and home-made puller plate.

Is the crankshaft bent on the other side?

Spinning the blade around, it looks pretty straight.

 

[StarTech]

What I use most the flywheels I pull is a harmonic balancer puller. I tighten it up good and tight then smack the forcing screw with a two brass hammer. Shocks it off after a few tighten rounds of the forcing screw.

 

[ILENGINE]

I've tried prying while hitting the nut/shaft with a hammer. Tried gentle hitting from underneath. Tried heating it with a heat-gun (paint stripper). Reluctant to really hit it hard, I realize it's aluminium.
Next I might try tapping M8 threads into the two little holes and home-made puller plate.


the standard Briggs puller uses 1/4-20 self tapping bolts at least in the USA.

 

[Tinkerer200]

Next I might try tapping M8 threads into the two little holes and home-made puller plate.

You have the right idea, put tension on it then a solid rap over the crankshaft end with a hammer.
Walt Conner

 

[PeteAU]

OK, I got the flywheel off. But now, is this flywheel key way too far damaged? Maybe make/file a custom key that's slightly oversized. What is your experience?

 

[ILENGINE]

Yes the key is too far damaged. I think i would put a standard key in there and properly torque it and see what happens. The key doesn't keep the flywheel in place it is just for timing alignment, and the proper torque on the flywheel holds it in that location until you hit something that causes the flywheel to not stop when the engine does.