Flywheel Removal with Threaded Puller versus "Hitting" the Crankshaft End

[PP4218]

So, as I am waiting for my new flywheel removal tool to come in, I've come across quite a few videos where people hammer on the crankshaft end (flywheel side) with the nut even with the end of the crankshaft. It does appear to work and allows removal of the flywheel, but I'm wondering what possible damage could occur to the crankshaft and the connecting rod, if any damage occurs at all.

Is this a legit way to remove the flywheel on an MS 880 without the proper removal tool?

PS: I ask this because I took my stripped down case to my local Stihl dealer to have them remove the flywheel, instead of waiting for the tool. My thought was I'd just have them remove it and I could continue with disassembly. They quoted me three hours labor, and said they couldn't guarantee they wouldn't trash the flywheel or the crank. I was surprised by their answer, and declined the service. Currently, I'm waiting for the tool to come in since it's only a week or so.

 

[PP4218]

Like in this video at the 6:25 mark:

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

So, as I am waiting for my new flywheel removal tool to come in, I've come across quite a few videos where people hammer on the crankshaft end (flywheel side) with the nut even with the end of the crankshaft. It does appear to work and allows removal of the flywheel, but I'm wondering what possible damage could occur to the crankshaft and the connecting rod, if any damage occurs at all.

Is this a legit way to remove the flywheel on an MS 880 without the proper removal tool?

PS: I ask this because I took my stripped down case to my local Stihl dealer to have them remove the flywheel, instead of waiting for the tool. My thought was I'd just have them remove it and I could continue with disassembly. They quoted me three hours labor, and said they couldn't guarantee they wouldn't trash the flywheel or the crank. I was surprised by their answer, and declined the service. Currently, I'm waiting for the tool to come in since it's only a week or so.

I would suggest you NEVER have anything repaired by that Stihl dealer. Either they’re incompetent or they don’t have the proper tools to service your saw. That’s just ridiculous.

 

[PP4218]

I would suggest you NEVER have anything repaired by that Stihl dealer. Either they’re incompetent or they don’t have the proper tools to service your saw. That’s just ridiculous.

Yeah, I thought so too. I was going there to check on some parts I ordered, and I thought why not have them take the flywheel off too.

I'm all about supporting local business with work, but I was very surprised by the answer. Another issue was I ordered the flywheel remover tool from them, but they canceled the order (told me they can't sell those tools).

That's why I'm having to wait on the flywheel removal tool - eBay order.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

They just don’t want to sell you the tool. The only thing they can’t (more like shouldn’t) sell is the carburetor adjustment tools.

 

[huskihl]

Seen too many crankshafts with beat up threads to hammer directly onto the crank. I use a center punch with the nut flush and flywheel facing up. No prybars, no string pulling the fw up

 

[HarleyT]

This is the stihl method I use almost every time, except I don't use the Stihl tool, I just use the flywheel nut and a deep well socket. I use an impact action tool to remove the flywheel nut and clutch, of course with nothing jammed in anywhere. Just leave the plug in.

 

[HarleyT]

If ever I have to use a piston stop, never use any power tools.

And, unlike the guy in the video, never try to remove either with the cylinder/piston removed.

 

[Mad Professor]

I've had the correct tool for > 20 years now.........

 

[PP4218]

This is the stihl method I use almost every time, except I don't use the Stihl tool, I just use the flywheel nut and a deep well socket. I use an impact action tool to remove the flywheel nut and clutch, of course with nothing jammed in anywhere. Just leave the plug in.
View attachment 1052606

I watched your YT video - thanks for posting that! Anyway, I have the question above because I don't have the proper tool in yet (due in this coming week) and I was curious how others remove the flywheel on a saw this size. I would suspect it would be the same either way, but since Stihl has the 1106 890 4501 I figured I would go with the recommended tool for the job per the service manual, so that's why I ordered the tool.

I am wondering about what damage would occur as I intend to reuse the crankshaft, unless it is damaged beyond use. I am not going to take a chance and damage the crankshaft; it's a bit expensive and I've already spent over $550.00 on the saw so far and I'm still working on the parts list.

Having said all that, if that's what you do, I would think that would work in this instance too. I am still trying to understand why the Stihl dealer said it would take three hours labor. Makes no sense to me.

 

[HarleyT]

Yeah, those tools are nice, I have several.

 

[PP4218]

Yeah, those tools are nice, I have several.

I am jealous.

Well, when it's all said and done, I will have one. Clearly I need to order more tools.

 

[Mad Professor]

I am jealous.

Well, when it's all said and done, I will have one. Clearly I need to order more tools.

$15 tool you'll have forever, is cheaper than a $250 crankshaft.

If you do your own work, you'll never regret investing in quality tools.

 

[The Shooters Apprentice]

I've made a couple pullers from some 3/8 flat bar and some bolts. It's a pretty simple design.

 

[ZeroJunk]

I take a hammer and a deep socket and pop them loose on small Stihl blowers, weedeaters, etc. all the time.
Hard to see how anybody could screw that up.
But, I don't think I would start beating on MS880 .

 

[PP4218]

$15 tool you'll have forever, is cheaper than a $250 crankshaft.

If you do your own work, you'll never regret investing in quality tools.

Yep, that's why I ordered one. Not that inexpensive ($15.00), but still worth it. And hey, who doesn't like to have more tools - you know, for when you need it.

Better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. I'm in the "not have it" stage, moving into the "have it" stage.

 

[PP4218]

I've made a couple pullers from some 3/8 flat bar and some bolts. It's a pretty simple design.

This is not that type of puller. Normally I would fab one up if I needed one, but I don't feel like turning one on the lathe.

Well, I don't feel like changing gears to get the thread pitch right. I've got too much stuff sitting on my lathe right now to make it worth the trouble. If the tool doesn't come in soon though, I might just go through the effort and make one.

Outside thread, inside thread, counter-sunk cap: https://www.ebay.com/p/1118724052

I could just take an old socket and thread the outside, weld a nut on the end.

 

[HarleyT]

This is not that type of puller. Normally I would fab one up if I needed one, but I don't feel like turning one on the lathe.

Well, I don't feel like changing gears to get the thread pitch right. I've got too much stuff sitting on my lathe right now to make it worth the trouble. If the tool doesn't come in soon though, I might just go through the effort and make one.

Outside thread, inside thread, counter-sunk cap: https://www.ebay.com/p/1118724052

I could just take an old socket and thread the outside, weld a nut on the end.

What state are you in?

 

[Captain Bruce]

So, as I am waiting for my new flywheel removal tool to come in, I've come across quite a few videos where people hammer on the crankshaft end (flywheel side) with the nut even with the end of the crankshaft. It does appear to work and allows removal of the flywheel, but I'm wondering what possible damage could occur to the crankshaft and the connecting rod, if any damage occurs at all.

Is this a legit way to remove the flywheel on an MS 880 without the proper removal tool?

PS: I ask this because I took my stripped down case to my local Stihl dealer to have them remove the flywheel, instead of waiting for the tool. My thought was I'd just have them remove it and I could continue with disassembly. They quoted me three hours labor, and said they couldn't guarantee they wouldn't trash the flywheel or the crank. I was surprised by their answer, and declined the service. Currently, I'm waiting for the tool to come in since it's only a week or so.

Why question your research results...... What is your experience level? You clearly sound like you have never done this before?? Physics and experience are what you are seeing on YT.

Taking your project from your bench, to someone else's??? Thats an admission you are NOT qualified to do the work. Tool? Put a screwdriver behind the flywheel, and flush the nut. I simple tap with a brass hammer and it will pop like a zit.

IF you have a twisted key, thats apparent to the eye......

 

[MEKinOL]

I drilled and tapped one of my other threaded flywheel pullers to match the crankshaft threads. Then I inserted a bolt in the previously threaded end and gave it a whack. Probably was on an ms260.