How do I pull the flywheel off of my outboard motor?

Question

I have a 1969 55hp Chrysler outboard motor. The only puller I can get on it is a gear puller. It grips the teeth on the flywheel very well. But I'm afraid to tighten too much. Is there anything else holding the flywheel besides the nut on the crank? Any answers or other comments would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Mark t and Josh are correct - you need to use three bolts screwed into the flywheel using your puller a harmonic balancer puller works well, the screws are usually 1/4x20 be sure to use a washer under the head of the bolt and grade 5 bolts will be better than standard bolts also spray some penitrating oil around the shaft (nut) then apply pressure you will need to use a strap to secure the flywheel to keep it from turning an old belt will work place strap in opposite direction of the way you will apply pressure on the tool to remove flywheel. This is to keep the flywheel from turning the same direction as you remove flywheel. If it is stubborn then tap lightly on the flywheel or top of remover puller.

Answer 2

Actually, Chrysler used a wedge bar that you put under the flywheel and a "nut driver" basicly a threaded bar that you hit with a hammer, screwed on the crank shaft.  There are not any holes for a flywheel puller.  I' not sure where you can get one, but you can get the job done by improvising.  weld two or three flywheel nuts together for the "driver"  and any tapered bar stock will work as the wedge.  I guess the other answerer's don't go back that far????

Answer 3

Richard C is correct. The chrysler had a wedge hammer technique. Best was a really big hammer tapping very lightly. Make sure the wedge did not tilt the flywheel. Only supported it so the low frequency tapping of the big hammer would "shake" it off. Line up the key way with the wedge and add penatreting oil. If you pull by the gear all you will have is some of the gear on the floor.

Answer 4

usually there are threaded holes (3) in the flywheel that you would s***w studs into that are connected to the puller. Pulling by the teeth is not a good idea.

Answer 5

No, the shaft is tapered and there is slot with a keyway in it to lock the flywheel to the shaft when it's spinning.  You have the wrong puller.  You need one with bolts that thread into the s***w holes on top of the flywheel.  Tighten the puller a bit and tap very lightly all around  the flywheel with a hammer to break it loose.  Don't hit it hard or you will crack it.

Added note 8/4/08:  Richard C. is correct.  I've been boating since 1948 and owned a 70hp back in the 1960's.   I should have remembered about the Chrysler flywheel not having the standard threaded holes for the puller.

Answer 6

If you pull it by the teeth, you'll break it for sure.