Hi my old harrier 4hp briggs engine has just given up the ghost. I have rebuilt a newer 5hp engine and it runs a treat. The only problem is that I cannot get the disc that sits above the cutting blade off of the engine shaft. Anyone got any ideas? I have tried soaking it with oil etc but no luck!!!

Adam Fuler, September 2009

If the engine is toast, don't worry about the oil seal. If all else fails, you will have to fabricate a puller. Drill a couple of 1/4" holes in the disk about 2" away from - and on opposite sides of - the hub. Insert a couple of threaded rods and put a nut on the back. Now use the top of a 2-leg puller with your fabricated legs to bear on the temporarily re-installed retaining bolt. Only insert the bolt about 5 turns, to allow the disc to move!

phil_saunders(a)bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, September 2009

Perservere with it Adam...it will come away eventually. Maybe gentle hammering from side to side will help a bit. You can apply a lot of heat really, but be aware that the crankshaft oil seal will burn if you overdo it.

John, September 2009

Thank you John. I have tried wd40. I will have to get a torch on it then! I tried pullers but cannot find a pair that span the disc.

Adam Fuler, September 2009

Its keyed onto the crankshaft and will be well rusted on.....! Use lots of WD40, and carefully warm up the area with a gas blow torch. It will come free eventually, but a very large puller with jaws that could span the disc could be useful!

John, September 2009