Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): How to replace the flywheel on a Cub Cadet 12A-18MCO56

Question
Sir,

I tried to start my mower. When I pulled the start cord it was obvious something was wrong - the cord played out and rewound however, the flywheel was not being engaged and the engine was not turning over.I removed the engine shroud and discovered the center of the flywheel, where the main nut is located, was cracked and broken off in several areas. How do I replace the flywheel on a Cub cadet 12A-18MCO56? Is it fairly easy?  Do I need a puller to remove it? Thank you for taking time to address my issue.

Respectfully,
Scott Ebert
USAF

Answer
What brand of engine is on the mower?

You should use have a flywheel puller to remove the flywheel...but if the old flywheel is cracked and had to be replaced you may be able to get by with out one.

The question I would really ask is why is the flywheel cracked?  Flywheels rarely crack.

Eric