XL350 Magneto puller

[cxs58]

Anybody out there in VMX land know of an easy and successful way of removing the magneto off the crankshaft of a 76 XL350 for the first time if one doesn't own a puller.
Thanks Craig

[Mick22]

On some of the 70's Honda's I've worked on, either the swingarm pivot bolt or rear axle has the right thread to screw into the centre of the magneto to remove it, not sure about the XL but worth a try.  If not I'm pretty sure the right puller for the job is sold by Motion Pro #08-0086 (but confirm yourself) you can order thru your local bike shop there not too dear

[cxs58]

Thats a lot Mick22 - will check it out

[cxs58]

Mick22,
Checked out the puller you mentioned- I have no idea how that will work - I was expecting something like a harmonic balance puller that will withdraw it from the crank. Can't see how this one will work.
Can you shed a bit more light on how to use the puller you suggested.

[Mick22]

Once you remove the flywheel retaining bolt that screws into the end of the crank (easiest using a rattle gun), you will see there is a thread cut into the inside of the flywheel. As you screw the tool into this thread it will eventually contact the end of the crank and in turn will force the flywheel off as you continue screwing in the tool.
Using the swingarm/axle bolt performs the same function if your lucky enough that it is the same thread.

As the XL has a large external rotor type flywheel, another option is to gently tap around the outside of the flywheel with a soft hammer. This will work well enough half the time but be warned if you hit the flywheel too hard you will do irrepairable damage so softly softly tap, don't belt it & if it doesn't come free after a few taps, get a puller. I actually did this on a XL250KO last nite, gave it one very lite tap and the flywheel fell off

Jap bikes generrally don't use jaw type pullers to remove anything, all the ones I've seen screw into the flywheel in one way or another

[holeshot buddy]

the inside of flywheel is threaded
as you screw in large bolt or axle
whatever is right thread
it will push against crank when it bottoms
and pop off flywheel
they usually come of ok




cool we both replied same answer at same time

[Tim754]

Keep your eyes out for one of the old "universal motorcycle flywheel pullers" they are so useful.

[Doc]

Craig, don't suppose you'd like a spare XL350 crank suitable for rebuilding? still has the flywheel attached also I been trying to give it away for years! well at least 18 months

[Tony T]

Take the drain plug out of the sump and use that to screw into the flywheel.
It's the same thread as the special tool. 
Do it up tight and give it a whack with a hammer. Presto.

[cxs58]

Mick22 and Holeshot Buddy,
Thanks for the information lads - spooky isn't it, the same answer.
I will see what I can do with your advice tonight.

Hey Doc,
Its great to hear from you again - I will certainly take that from you - do you still live at the same place.
Craig

Nice to hear from you Tony T,
I had heard of that but thought it was an old wives tale. Does that really work !

[Tony T]

I've done it quite a few times and yes, it worked for me. 
Good luck.

[LWC82PE]

i wish it was that simple for a 500 yam that i cant get the flywheel off yet. its well an truely locked on hard

[cxs58]

There's only one way to get a Yam 500 flywheel off - take it to the tip !

[Mick22]

i wish it was that simple for a 500 yam that i cant get the flywheel off yet. its well an truely locked on hard

If a flywheel is really stuck or rusted on I just keep heating it up with a heat gun and then pour water on it to cool it quick, at the same time tap lightly with a mallet and repeat might take 10 or more cycles but has always worked for me When they're really stuck on the heat method seems to work a lot better than trying to use force

[Tony T]

I second what Mick said.
Must be a Yamaha thing, but I had to do that with one of my 550's. I think I finally got it after a couple of days of that process.  But it finally popped and I wasn't there to see it.
Just came back into the shed one morning and it was loose..............