F-20 flywheel installation update

EM Iowa

Member
We got the flywheel on the crank without the key, the key must have been holding us up. I used a file to take a little off the key, but even as we hammered it in, it stopped at about 1/2 inch to go, and we noticed a hairline crack in the flywheel besides the key......so I'll cut off the key and leave it where it is. There is no way that key is coming out btw, it's way too messed up.
 
so your leaving a known cracked flywheel in there with part of a key??? seriously??

remind me to never be around your tractor when its running
 
Do you think it will get smaller? I've never seen a key I couldn't get out. Try drilling some small holes along the key and you should able work it out with a hammer and chisel.
 
Have to second this comment. This is not a very smart move. There is not a big demand for f-20 flywheels so i'm sure you could pick one up cheap. I'm a big fan of the f series tractor's and have redone a few. How could you leave a cracked flywheel and only part of a key on a engine you just rebuilt. This is an accident waiting to happen and also a big waste of time when it does. Good luck and I hope you rethink this move.
 
BAD PLAN! Complete failures start with small cracks. If you plan to NEVER use the tractor around anyone else, and NEVER sell it without disclosing the problem, so be it. But now that you've posted it on the internet, if anyone else EVER gets injured by it failing, you can bet that a well paid attorney will find this posting and you will lose everything you own. F-20 flywheels are readily avaiable and not expensive.
I'd seriously reconsider that plan!
 
An exploded flywheel can contain as much explosive power as a hand grenade. Even at the slow speed of that engine, it is prudent and realistic to replace it. Jim
 
Use a drill just a little smaller than the width of the key and drill as close together as possible down to the shaft. It may help to put some good penetrating oil in the holes and let it set for a day. Good luck.
 
Wow-Not much question about how most of the folks feel about this subject. Every Flywheel I seen taken off old tractors or trucks have scoring and surface cracks from excessive slipping of the clutch and heat. I have never heard of a Machine shop refusing to grind them because of liability reasons and do it for the purpose to get more use from them and those cracks don't grind out.

Am I missing something here or is it the general feeling flywheels with any defects should be replaced? I know the restorers tend to be perfectionist and money is not a object most of the time. How many of you have witnessed a Flywheel exploding?I have seen fan blades break and that seems to be a more imaginable disaster which could happen at any moment.
cleddy
 
If you aren't sure how to get the key out find someone in your area that can show you how to do it. I understand if you don't have much experience under your belt that it could be tricky but the only way to learn is to do it the right way even if it is the hard way. You will learn more and be a better mechanic because of it. Everyone has to start somewhere. Good luck.
 
Heat checking is a surface issue that is not in the location this crack is located. Stress risers at the end of a crack is dramatic, and can cause catastrophic failure. The Iowa air crash (in the 1980s) was caused by such a crack. The fact that a keyway was abused in the process and difficulty putting it on the crank stub, puts expansive strain on the wheel. Not good at all.
My grandfather was almost killed at a saw mill when the governor belt came off of the steam engine and it ran away exploding not only the saw blade (after spitting out the inserts at extreme velocity) but the flywheel as well.
A student in my auto school lost both feet in a 57 Chevy when racing at a drag strip. The wheel took out the dash and windshield nearly cut the tin of the body in half and took both feet at the ankles. We are serious about safety and would not make the point as firmly if it were not an issue. Don't give grief about the low speed engine compared to a jet, every one was designed to be crack free at the expected speed and was not. Jim
 
Thanks for the information. I see your point and being around this equipment all the time this may advoid being in a accident or causing one by being more informed. I would not like any of my repairs to cause an accident. I hope I did not give the wrong impression because all the mechanical failures I've seen over about 50 years or you hear about, it is just amazing that worse stuff doesn't happen.
cleddy
 
You are welcome. Having a wheel fall off of a tricycle is one thing, having a tractor explode is another! Jim
 
geez, yuk.

My brother always wrapped the bell housing with a ballistic blanket when drag racing. Makes sense now.

Greg
 

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