James H. wrote:
On Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:29:12 -0700, Bob F wrote:

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.

Hi Bob,
On the Briggs and Stratton web site, they explain the use of the
flywheel puller.

In the owners manual, they show a picture and the part number for the
flywheel puller.

While I definitely see "tradition" has it that almost everyone (except
Sears and Briggs and Stratton) recommends banging on the flywheel,
that's NOT the way to remove the flywheel on my Craftsman Briggs and
Stratton engine!

This video shows the (wrong) traditional method:
http://www.waldeneffect.org/blog/Bri...wheel_removal/

This is the $7.50 flywheel puller (Briggs & Stratton P/N: BS 19069):
http://farmex.now.tc/catalog/product...oducts_id=2368
http://tewarehouse.com/7-05979
http://www.jackssmallengines.com/service_tools2.cfm

The owners manual (page 38 & 39) show this as Sears P/N: 19069:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=htt...fRWxQAo5_C_ A

Point is, banging on this type of Briggs & Stratton engine is sheer
folly when there is a perfectly cheap and effective method.

Even the Briggs and Stratton web site says (at least for their racing
engines) the ONLY way to remove a flywheel is to use a flywheel
puller.

So, I'm just letting folks know the lessons learned. I asked. I got
advice. Most of it was wrong. But some of it was dead on right. I
made mistakes. I learned. I found out, the hard way, the right way.
And I'm letting folks know.

The only thing that had confused me was how the old way was supposed
to work (logically that is) ... and it turns out that it does work
... but it's the wrong method to use for these Briggs and Stratton
engines.

There must be 100 special tools that are "required" to work on things I've
worked on. I've done just fine without once buying them, thank you. Just because
a manufacturer sells a tool for a job does not make that the "right way". And
just because you say it does not make it so either. If it does the job without
damage and is quick and cheap - it's the right way. Especially if it avoids
having to order and pay, and wiat for a special tool.