QuestionHi John -
Well, it's me again. Seems that the flywheel key needed replacement afterall. We followed your instructions and replaced the flywheel key...the only problem is that once we got the whole thing back together, when we pulled the rope it made a strange rattling/metal-to-metal clunking type sound. It tried to start, but the smoke was black. Anyway...after that, we took it apart again to see if we might have missed something. The only thing that looked potentially problematic was that the starter cup flange that engages with the top of the flywheel can be located in a few different places --- two of them seem sized for the flange tab but not as high and vertically edged as the other one. So....we moved it from one of the smaller spots and positioned it in the larger space against a straight vertical edge on top of the flywheel. We put everything back together again and then tried to start it with the same result...same scary sounds. So...now we're left with a few questions. First, what is the proper way to replace the key? Should it be placed in the slot on the shaft and then have the flywheel slid down over it, or does the key get put in after the shaft and the flywheel slots are lined up? And...since the flywheel key is asymmetrical, does the curved side go towards the shaft or away from it? Also, should the flywheel need to be pressed down into place, or will it fit easily over the shaft with the key in place? And what about the placement of the starter cup flange....does it matter? At this point, the machine is apart and we await your expert recommendations while holding on to the hope that the weird sounds were caused by something we did incorrectly when putting the thing back together, rather than some other broken or bent part. Thanks in advance for your help....I would have contacted you sooner except that you were maxed out on your questions for the day. You're a popular guy! :-)
- Deb
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
Hi -
I've got an Ariens push mower with a Tecumseh VLV50 engine. The flywheel key has sheared a couple of times, and both of those times my bro-in-law was around to replace it. He's on vacation, and I need to mow the lawn! Can you please tell me what I need to do to remove the broken key and replace it with a new one? Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer.
-----Answer-----
Hello Deb:
Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Center Nut that Holds the Starter Cup to the Flywheel. Using a Steering Wheel Puller, Attach the Puller to the Flywheel and Tighten. Hit the Puller with a Hammer to Jar the Flywheel and it will Pop/Jump Up when it Comes Loose from the Crankshaft. You May have to Hit the Puller and Re-tighten the Puller Once or Twice before the Flywheel Comes Loose. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Addy http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Click on the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers VLV50 and Click Go. Then Select the First File and Click on Download File. This Breakdown/IPL should Assist you in Making this Repair. If this is a Common Problem, then the Flywheel Nut Isn't being Tightened Enough. Use an Air Impact to Remove and Replace the Flywheel Nut. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
Answer Hello Deb:
No Worries. On Some of the Engines you have to Start the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Bolts and then Pull Up on the Housing while you Tighten the Bolts. If the Housing Sits Down it will Make the Metal Noise you were Hearing. The Key is Put in the Crankshaft and the Flywheel is Lowered Onto the Shaft and Key. Are you Sure you have the Proper Flywheel Key? All the Flywheel Keys I have Seen are Rectangular in Shape and Flat or Beveled; Never Half Moon. If you Use the Wrong Key, it will Offset the Flywheel and you will have the Metallic Noise you were Speaking of. The Key has to be for the Engine and According to the Diagram of this Engine it is a Standard Tecumseh Flywheel Key. Check the Crankshaft and See if it has the Half Moon Indent to Receive the Key you are Trying to Use. If Not then you have the Wrong Key. The Key Part Number is Tecumseh # 611154. Usually the Starter Cup/Bell is Lined up with the Tab Holes and the Flywheel Nut and Washer are used to Hold the Cup/Bell and Flywheel Onto the Crankshaft. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
