How hard is it to get the big nut off the blower end of the crank? I suspect the seal is out under the blower on this little piglet. Want to inspect that and the top of cylinder #1 before I order any parts. :Detective1:

Anyone have a source for free service manual on these Vanguards?? Model number 294447-0445-01

Thanks in advance,

Steve

Proper size socket and a 1/2" impact and zip off it comes.

When it's too cold for my pressure washer I go to the local car wash and make a mess of there bay. LOL.

you say roached out gt 46" deck??? how much do you want for the 3 aluminum spindles off of it???

I sent a PM to you.

Pulled the head off the dead hole. Pretty nasty. I believe that indicates a head gasket failure as well?

Steve

Let me know what your plans are for this critter. If you plan on keeping it or just want it gone. :bigthink:

I'll send a PM, Sam. I just built a puller of sorts to get the fly wheel off. I am assuming a tapered crank, right? :Huh: Put some good pressure on it and wailed on it for a while with a rubber hammer. No budge. I left the pressure on. I do not have a service manual.

My puller idea is not working. The reason I was thinking it off is to check the seal under the flywheel. Any suggestions? I did just notice the bolts have no hash marks on the head. Better get some higher grade bolts in there. When I had both bolts super tight I was wailing away with ball peen hammer on the flat stock. I used rubber hammer on the outside of the cast flywheel. I sprayed the crank with PB blaster. My only heat source here at the house is one of those yellow MAP gas hand held torches.

I've taken Vanguard flywheels off by simply putting a light pry on one side of the flywheel and tapping the end of the crank with a hammer.

If you try this, run the crank nut out flush to protect the threads and don't pry too hard, you might crack the aluminum.

I've used a puller as well. Never had any problem getting the flywheel off. They came off easy.

Looking at your puller again. Try running the bolts in tight and then loosen the big nut against the puller and see if that will pop the flywheel off.