Vanguard flywheel puller bolts diameter

[PlumCrazy]

Any one know what size these are, I need to chase the damaged threads on this one.
They look either M8-1.25 or 5/16"-18, but can't get either bolt started without major force.

[racerone3]

They are metric, but I don't know the size right off the top of my head.

To pull the flywheel from a briggs you don't need a puller. back the nut off till it is a little beyond flush with the end of the crank (nut sticks out farther than crank) and whack the nut with a hammer. the end of the crank is tapered and this will jar it loose. sounds terrible, but it is actually the procedure in the Briggs manual

[PlumCrazy]

I will go out and give it a try, thanks.

[PowerFistArgo]

When you hit the bolt with a hammer put a prybar between the motor and the flywheel and apply a littly pressure, Helps the flywheel pop off. Im a small engine mechanic, It works every time

[PlumCrazy]

With MUCH apprehension, I gave the backed-off flywheel retaining nut a sharp WHACK!
It did free up the flywheel on it's tapered shaft, thanks.
.
The puller holes on the back side were in great condition, they are M8-1.25.
I ran a tap through them, just in case the WHACK doesn't work next time and I need to use them.
I re-torqued the flywheel to 125lbs by holding the recoil starter cup with a chain wrench, strap wrench slipped when I was trying to loosen the nut.
I'm guessing at the 125lbs torque, does anyone have a spec sheet with the torque specs, I just have the OPERATORS and PARTLIST for this engine, no REPAIR manual.
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BTW.. the flywheel retaining nut on my 1997 Vanguard 16hp is 30mm (30.01 actually)
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later