Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): wont start, craftsman riding lawn mower, bolt holes

Question
QUESTION: i bought a craftsman riding lawn mower it has the18 kolher motor. the guy i buoght it from said that the stators wires got riped out and i took off the flywheel to replace it but i did have the money to replace and it was there . well when i put the key in then put the flywheel back on and nowit doesnt want to it tends to with choke on it will stop the motor as it tries to start and sometimes backfires and i can get the flywheel back off. You think it could be the timing and how could i get the flywheel back, I tried using a harmonic banlacer puller(which took it of there the first time)but it would not take it off again Tried heat
ANSWER: Is the flywheel key sheard?  DO NOT heat the flywheel or crankshaft!

Are there bolt holes in the center of the flywheel?
Let me know.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yes but it will bend or break any bolts i use to try to pull it off with

Answer
WOW!  Here is a trick but this can be DANGEROUS.

Install a flywheel puller in/on the flywheel.  Tighten down the puller snuggly, not enough to bend the flywheel but tight enough there is significant pressure on the flywheel.

Get some SAFETY GOOGLES!!  Take 2 large mallets, 2-4 pounds.  Place one mallet on top of the crankshaft/flywheel puller.  Holding both hammer handles, take the the other hammer and hit the first hammer that is resting on top of the puller.  The energy transfer from the hammers will sometimes know the flyweel loose but I have been told that this same energy can shatter both hammers so that is why you want to wear SAFETY GOOGLES.

DO NOT hit the crankshaft direclty!! You should always have a nut threaded about halfway down on the crankshaft threads to prevent damage to the crankshaft.
Let me know if this helps.
Eric