Flywheel condition?

[53a1]

Hello folks.

I was wondering how to tell if it's time to replace my flywheel. The teeth on the flywheel where the starter gear engages the are rounded to about 1/5 in some places. It had a 12v starter hooked to it before and I remember it used to grind in a certain section and not engage well. I think this is due to the fact that a section of about 60 degrees of teeth on the flywheel are more rounded than the rest.

[nepperjepper]

when i had my flywheel in for resurfacing. my machinist recommended to turn the ring over and have the new side of the gear facing the starter.Worked for me. the other half of the gear looked new.

....Jeff


has anyone else had this done

[53a1]

That's a good idea. I have a backup flywheel so I'm not worried but I don't want to ruin the good one. I'm thinking that if I go with a 24v push start starter I won't have this problem because the gears are engaged before the motor turns. I think maybe the 12v starter is worn and grinding up the flywheel.

[Boze]

I'm in the middle of a complete rebuild of an RMC motor and sandblasted my flywheel. Then I installed a good ring gear (I had access to three) and installed as best side out. This gives the best teeth meshing with the starter. The ring gear comes off with carefully applied heat and goes back on the same way. It just contracts onto the flywheel. Flipping ring gears is a good way to increase the lifespan of the part. The engine rebuild manual, available on this site, shows you how to do it.