James H. wrote:
On Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:18:14 -0700 (PDT), Harry K wrote:

you were given clear, explicit explanations of why it works
and also that it is a common method of accomplishing the goal.

Hi Harry K,
I might have been given clear explicit explanations; but that doesn't
mean I understand the logic of banging down on the immovable
crankshaft.

The fact that so many people suggested that "common method", yet the
experience I had (where it couldn't possibly work) is what confuses
me.

I fully appreciate prying UP on the flywheel (although, as my
experience dictates, that's the absolutely wrong approach for this
Craftsman 3.5 HP Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine).

Every mower I've done this to has been a B&S engine. And it has always worked.
Sometimes quicker than others, but every single time. And I've never broken
anything.

But then, I was never reefing on the pry bar, since to only point is to lift the
crank by whatever play it has so it can move when you tap. Each time you tap,
the flywheel lifts a tiny bit, until it pops loose.