Oil leak and can't take off flywheel

[martingale]

My craftsman got an oil leak, seems coming from right below fly wheel , but I can't take it off. Stuck with the key path there at the center of the flywheel
Shall I use force with a wrench ?

 

[Scrubcadet10]

Screw the nut back on flush with the top of the crank threads, or just a hair above,
Get a prybar and a hammer, a sturdy, long Screw driver will sometimes work, while prying the flywheel up , whack the nut with the hammer, it may take a whack or two.
Just be sure you arent hitting the crankshaft itself as you will ruin the threads, make sure the nut is just above flush with the crank.

 

[Tinkerer200]

Might help if you posted what engine you are talking about. One caution, using the method above runs the risk of punching a hole in the top of the engine block. I have pictures of just that from using the described method.

Walt Conner

 

[StarTech]

Might help if you posted what engine you are talking about. One caution, using the method above runs the risk of punching a hole in the top of the engine block. I have pictures of just that from using the described method.

Walt Conner

Exactly why I don't ever recommend that method. I always use a puller whenever possible.

 

[Tinkerer200]

If you are lucky enough to pry over a re-enforcing Web, you may get by with it. IF you pry between re-enforcing webs, the casting is very thin.
Walt Conner

 

[cpurvis]

There are good reasons not the hit the end of the crankshaft. One is that you might break off the end of the crankshaft (I've personally done that).

 

[tom3]

If that's a small engine have someone hold up the motor by the flywheel, then whack the crank a couple licks. I'll sometimes put some heat on the flywheel around the center to help.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Another job for the air hammer in my workshop.
A lot less violent than the 10 lb sledge

 

[Hammermechanicman]

The answer is always a bigger hammer.what was the question?