Broken Flywheel K181 Help

[Psychonova68 36]

I threw a rod on my commando 8 a little while ago and just picked up the engine from the machine shop today.  Upon inspecting the flyweel (which they didn't reinstall), I noticed that a chunk was broken off of the back that butts up to the keyway.  Can I use this still, if not should I just find another k181 flywheel? Do any of the other Kohler engines use the same flywheel?

[adsm08 2,208]

I'd be very wary of using that. I've seen smaller chunks throw bigger engines out of balance.

[Psychonova68 36]

What is the easiest path forward here? Should I just buy another k181 flywheel?  Also can I strip the magnets out of the flywheel from a newer k181 and use that.  I saw a few of those on ebay.

[pfrederi 17,930]

Contact one of the vendors here  AtoZ tractor  or put in a want ad in the classifieds.  Not an uncommon flywheel and moving magnets is tricky.

[Achto 27,849]

5 minutes ago, Psychonova68 said:

Also can I strip the magnets out of the flywheel from a newer k181 and use that.

 

If you strip the magnets out of a flywheel you will severely effect the balance of the flywheel. An out of balance flywheel will cause vibration and will most likely damage the main bearings in a short amount of time.

[The Tuul Crib 7,337]

That broken fly will definitely thro an engine out of balance I agree with above get another fly wheel and have a greater peace of mind . 
 

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[JAinVA 4,626]

I agree that you should not use that flywheel. Years ago I had a c120 that had several cooling fins broke off.I talked to the dealer about a replacement and he said that with a ball bearing supported crank he would just knock off the opposite fins and run what I had.I did and never had any balance issues.

[Psychonova68 36]

Thanks for advice, it's greatly appreciated. Checked atoz and they didn't have any, so posted a wanted ad. Did see one online for 195$ is that a good price?

[JAinVA 4,626]

I don't think so.For that price you could reengine with a new 6.5 horse Predator from Harbor Freight.I have bought several flywheels off Flea Bay for half that.Keep in mind that  K series flywheels 12 through 16 horse differ only in the number of charging magnets.I can't say that about the 181 but the larger K's flywheels may work as well. 

Edited January 7, 2020 by JAinVA

[Psychonova68 36]

My tractor still has points on it, could I use a flywheel with the magnets, but just leave them be?

[JAinVA 4,626]

The points are opened and closed by the cam shaft. The charging magnets should have no effect on the ignition system.

Edited January 7, 2020 by JAinVA

[JoeM 7,874]

That cracked key area just might be the tip of the iceberg. Being so close to center, i doubt if it would throw the balance off much, but the most importation thing is shock when the rod broke. What sometimes happens when a rod breaks is there is a sudden stop. The energy in the flywheel wants it to stay in motion, hence sheared key and or key-way. There might be other cracks not visible and when you torque the nut on they just might show up or even worse show up after you run it a while and destroy the end of the crank. 

If this was some old smoker that didn't matter much, then the juice might be worth the squeeze, but in your case, you said this thing was at the shop and you got to have some nice cash invested.....buy a replacement flywheel.