Ring gear replacement

[lbcfan]

I have an amusing "shade-tree mechanic" question.

I want to change the ring gear on my rebuilt 1275- old one is slightly chewed... with no torch I was wondering if I can freeze the flywheel and heat the ring in my gas grill (about 6-700 degrees) to get the ring to slip on. I've heard of it it being done for small engines.

I would remove the old ring by sawing partially through and then using a cold chisel.

While I'm at it, the flywheel, which I've unbolted, resists removal. I'm afraid to force it by prying. Is there a trick to it, or do I need a puller?

Thanks for any advice.

Michael

 

[smaceng]

Check the search function as there was a recent lengthy discussion on this subject with many great ideas.
Scott in CA

 

[racingenglishcars]

I believe you can simply knock the old one off with a hammer and drift. the new one you can heat in the oven and drop on.

 

[Gerard]

While I'm at it, the flywheel, which I've unbolted, resists removal. I'm afraid to force it by prying. Is there a trick to it, or do I need a puller?

Thanks for any advice.

Michael

Michael,

The 1275, unlike the 948 and 1098, have two press fit locating pins and a recess in the flywheel that is a tight fit on the crank flange. You should not need a puller, but will take a little persuasion via judicious prying to come off. Keep a hold on it, lots of near horizontal surface underneath and toes clear... :hammer:

If heard the technique you suggest for the ring gear before and seems to be a working solution. Never done it myself though.

 

[Guest]

Pry a little bit on alrenating sides. It'll come off. The JB Racing ultra lite flywheels we had on the race cars had a taper fit that was pretty tight. You could loosly thread a bolt part way in to keeop it from dropping on your toes, just be carefull not to cock the wheel too much and bind the bolt.

I tried my over @ 500 degrees but it didn't work. I had to throw it on the BBQ pit.

 

[TulsaFred]

I used a cutting wheel to cut almost through the ring gear, then struck it with a cold chisel and it came right off easily.
I then used my gas grill on high (about 600+ degrees) and put the new ring gear on the grill for about 15 minutes.
It dropped right down on the flywheel with no problem. Tightened right up when cool.

Easy.

Fred

 

[lbcfan]

Thanks to all for the replies. I got the flywheel off using the recommended techniques, along with a heavy hammer through the starter hole.

If the grill works to heat the ring I'll Email Weber- it may be a selling point...

 

[nomad]

I've used the chisel to cut the old ring gear and heat to apply the new several times. Used to do a lot of motorcyle work. Bearings in the freezer and cases in the oven. Bearing replacement was always drop in!

Kurt.

 

[lbcfan]

Works like a charm on the ring. It went on so easy I thought I had the wrong size ring.