How does the flywheel work on a car starter?
The starter uses a small gear called a Bendix gear to link up with the flywheel when you turn the key in the ignition. The starter and Bendix gear then spins the flywheel, which in turn spins the crankshaft, which, in turn, begins the compression cycle that fires up your engine.
Why does a flywheel stop a car engine?
Because of the way the pistons are arranged in modern engines, i.e., in a V-shape pattern offset from the center of the crankshaft that wobbles the engines every time it fires, the engine can be unstable as it runs. However, the weight of the flywheel is enough to stop any side-to-side motion of the engine as it goes through its revolutions.
Where is the flywheel located in a manual transmission?
In manual transmissions, it’s referred to as a flywheel, but in automatic transmissions, it’s referred to as a flex plate. The flywheel is usually bolted to the crankshaft and is usually located in the rear part of your engine.
Why is the flywheel bolted to the clutch?
Because the flywheel is bolted to the clutch pressure plate, the clutch disk is sandwiched in between them, providing leverage. This is the same for automatic transmission vehicles, where the flex plate is bolted to the torque converter. The toothed ring on the outer edge of the flywheel helps the starter fire up your engine.
How to inspect flywheel and key for Briggs and Stratton?
Always check for damage by removing the flywheel to inspect the key and the keyway, the key’s slot on the crankshaft. The soft metal key must eliminate play between the flywheel and crankshaft.
How to inspect flywheel and key for lawn mower?
Finally, if a lawn mower or tiller blade hits a rock or curb, the flywheel key can sometimes absorb the damage, reducing repair costs significantly. Always check for damage by removing the flywheel to inspect the key and the keyway, the key’s slot on the crankshaft. The soft metal key must eliminate play between the flywheel and crankshaft.
How to remove a flywheel from an engine?
If the engine is equipped with a flywheel brake, remove any cover and disconnect the outer end of the brake spring. 3. If your engine is equipped with a flywheel clutch, remove it while holding the flywheel with a flywheel holder or a flywheel strap wrench.
Why do I need a flywheel key on my Tiller?
On engines with starter motors, lights or other devices, magnets mounted inside and outside are at the heart of the electrical system. Finally, if a lawn mower or tiller blade hits a rock or curb, the flywheel key can sometimes absorb the damage, reducing repair costs significantly.