Topic: fly wheel keys

[1031]

Ok so you see the offset flywheel keys on the market.

Does this help any to use or does it sheer off to easily?
I know about the billet flywheels and the built in adjustments available.
But for the country boys with the stock flywheel I was wondering if this will help me out any or it it a waste of my time?
Any info will help me out.
 Thanks
1031

[mowerracer313]

Well i havent tryed them yet but gonna cause there cheap
as for sheerin them they wont if you have your flywheel tight the key is just for timing

[1031]

Thanks for letting me know what you think.
 Yes they are inexpensive but a little harder to change. I think than the billet wheel. I have purchased several in a wide range to see what is best for my mower. But I have not tried them out yet.
I bought 12 and the guy sent me 15, some were duplicates. The shipping was more than the keyways.

I was wondering if they are used with a cam or not?

Thanks
1031

[George Herrin]

1031 off set keys are used to advance the timing. Most cam manufactures will supply you with their recommendations for timing with the cam. The higher your timing the better the top end to a certain point. BUT the higher your timing the harder it will start also. If you use an ARC flywheel use a stock key, and adjust the timing using their built in adjustments on the hub. If using a stock flywheel then the offset keys are what you would use. Keys arew for static timing not holding flywheel in place. I generally ran a #4 or #5 key. I would start with the #4 if you do not have cam specs and go from there. Hope this helps.

[1031]

Thanks Sir George

That helps clear up things. Some of the guys here have talked about them and a few use them.  Most talk was how they would sheer so easy.
So that is how I came up with the qustions
Your answer really cleared things up for me.

I am proud to announce that I am now a Member of the yahoo group.  
Looking forward to reading the posts and looking at all the picts!
Maybe post a few of my own picts.

1031

[George Herrin]

:wink: Good deal. Glad I could help. As far as shearing the keys generally it is two reasons it will do so. !. not properly retorqued 2. surfaces not mtching 100%. If you suspect this get you some fine lapping compound or fine grit polishing compound put a small amount on both surfaces and spin the flyhweel back and forth till you think your hands will fall off. Then clean both surfaces very well and reinstall and torque properly.

[Butcher]

For the guys running stock flywheels,  of course remove magnets if equipped and turn'em like a brake drum and like a brake disk on inside. Leave it full thickness near hub and taper smooth to half of orig thickness out to outer rim and taper to full before outer rim. Words are a hard way of putting it, think of a lightened cam gear w/ no holes drilled only turned on side instead  of both.
Just keep a taper (or ramp)to full thickness near rim and near hub( have seen stress cracks near both when turned to close).As stated lap to crank and clean, then apply thin coat of lap compound,key, wheel and torque down. Yes,  hard to remove ( takes puller, torch, and rubber mallet) but have not had one slip as compound grit imbeds in hub and crank since(turning up to 8k+) . Usually get flywheel down to 6-6 1/2 lb  then balance it netural drilling into outer rim.

Butcher.

[tory]

Where can I order a set of offset flywheel keys?would ARC or EC carry them? TB

[George Herrin]

Yes EC does carry them!!!

[matt25001149]

how much are they and do they fit all b&s engines??

[George Herrin]

I do not know will check when I get to work Monday, and yes they will fit any briggs with the square key, not the Vangaurd Twins. They use a half moon type key.

[matt25001149]

ok cool thanks george look forward to hearing from u