Flywheel play up & down, important?

[RomanT]

Before I removed my flywheel to service the ignition on a 3 horse rude, the flywheel had a bit of play in an up and down direction. This few thousands of an inch movement is considered normal and even necessary according to many authorities. After reinstalling the flywheel and torquing the nut to about 40 ft. pounds the wheel no longer has this play. Is the FW nut too tight? Should I reinstall and make sure I still have this play/movement? My torque wrench isn't graduated very finely so how critical is the movement? Thank you.

 

[F_R]

Re: Flywheel play up & down, important?

I fail to see how flywheel torque could possibly have anything to do with it. The flywheel isn't rubbing something, is it? Did you happen to replace the coils? Did you adjust the air gap if you did?

Yes, it is supposed to have a few thous of play though.

 

[RomanT]

Re: Flywheel play up & down, important?

Then it's the shaft that's supposed to move a bit. Yes I replaced the coils and points. The wheel rotates smoothly, the heels of my coils are a hair shy of the bosses and nothing is rubbing. I do not know what an air gap is or how to adjust one.

I also replaced the impeller and the shaft accidently pulled out of the lower unit. After a bit of giggling, I managed to reinsert it. Flywheel turns and the prop with it...

I just tried again and the wheel does move ever so slightly up and down. Hurray!!
Thank you.