weedeater flywheel removal

[dennis]

Have an older (junked) Weedeater FeathLite Plus string trimmer. SKU 952711432, Ser # 00055N700063-1...I don't see any other model # on it, looks like the old XT type.

I am taking it apart (junking it) to learn how it is made in case I work on one in the future. I have taken the bolt off of the flywheel, the 1 1/2" long threaded shaft with squared recess that accepts the flexible shaft and holds flywheel on. The flywheel is mounted "upside down" (fins towards engine case and cylinder. I cannot see any key slot or key, but could very well be there. Are these things threaded on or do they need to be pulled? Also, any tricks for removing muffler held on by two stout springs?

Thanks.

[StarTech]

Pulled; tapered crankshaft mount. It probably has the built-in type of flywheel key.

[bgsengine]

Are these things threaded on or do they need to be pulled?

Pulled - they are keyed on a taper shaft.

Also, any tricks for removing muffler held on by two stout springs?

Thanks.

You need another stout spring or other wire to hook the spring where it hooks in muffler and pull up and out on it while holding muffler in place once one spring is off, you can tilt muffler sideways to ease removal of the other spring.

used to use vice grips on side of spring next to muffler but they kept slipping off.

[dennis]

Thanks Starfire1 and bgsengine. I don't see any puller holes in the bottom of the flywheel, could use a puller on ends or circumference. Also could thread on a protective nut on end of crankshaft and give a wrap. Just was wondering if there was a trick on getting these "upside down" flywhls off.

[bgsengine]

Thanks Starfire1 and bgsengine. I don't see any puller holes in the bottom of the flywheel, could use a puller on ends or circumference. Also could thread on a protective nut on end of crankshaft and give a wrap. Just was wondering if there was a trick on getting these "upside down" flywhls off.

no trick to it - grab a short piece of 2x4 , hold engine by flywheel over a cardboard pad and whack end of shaft with wood block will usually pop'm loose. or a plastic or rubber faced mallet...

[RoyM]

Do not use a jaw puller or you will be looking for a replacement flywheel. Brian's method works well.

[KE4AVB]

Do not use a jaw puller or you will be looking for a replacement flywheel. Brian's method works well.

I have successfully use mine quite times in and last few years in pulling these; maybe I just know how to use it correctly for my application. Just got to not overload the puller before shock loading the center puller bolt.

My biggest problem is getting its jaws behind the outward facing flywheels on chainsaws. I have thought about grinding down the jaws but I use the puller on heavier jobs and need the extra strength.

[dennis]

Thanks all for the help. Tried the 2x4, bgsengine, and it worked like a charm.