Bob F wrote:


I usually pry up "firmly" on the flywheel on two side (wooden wedges
work well), then tap downward on the end of the shaft (with the nut
loosened to be flush with the crank end). By lifting up, you raise
the crankshaft slightly, takeing up any play. Then when you tap the
crankshaft, it applies instantaneous force way higher than you could
ever get by lifting the flywheel. The mass of the flywheel resists
the momentary force, so the crankshaft loosens.

Yep, that's the way I have always done it as well. They actually sell a
tool that is threaded onto the end of the shaft so that the end of the shaft
is protected from the hammer. In other words, the manufacturer has it as a
recommended procedure.

Jon