how concerned should i be

[Dane B]

My 52 A has a slight wobble in the flywheel. The crank spins true, that is how I figured it to be the flywheel. It isn't necessarily wobbling out of round per say, more so.that it isn't square to the axis of the crankshaft.

I turn 1300-1400 max rpms on this tractor; just.looking for opinions on how crucial this may or may not be, and how to fix it if its a concern. I have heard two different opinions thus far so any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[leon]

I was told by an old guy who worked in the Deere factory at the time two-bangers were made that the flywheel splines were cut in with a broach. The flywheel was laid on a steel bed and the broach run down through. If there happened to be a chip laying under one side of the flywheel, one that the operator happened to miss when brushing off the table, then the flywheel had some wobble. From the way he talked, apparently a little wobble wasn't of great concern. Wish I could quantify this, but can't.

 

[Buckeye]

A friend had an unstyled B that you could see a noticeable wobble in the flywheel. Flywheel was tight and never gave him any problem. I would guess it was like that from the start.

 

[Richard G.]

When I bought my H years ago and got it running, the flywheel had a good wobble to it. A few years later when i rebuilt it, I found the crankshaft was not straight. I put another one in and it doesn't wobble anymore.
Being a hand cranker, I figured someone may have hit a tree with the flywheel at some time.
Richard in NW SC

 

[Mike M]

Set engine back to the proper fast idle speed and run it.

 

[Lauren in IOWA]

I have a 51 D that the flywheel wobbles. Took a check on it is tight and does not vibrate. Drive and enjoy, no concern.

 

[Richard G.]

Why are you running such high rpms?
Just curious.
Richard

 

[Dane B]

pulling tractor

 

[JRSutton]

Even a slight flywheel wobble will ALWAYS result in some uneven bearing wear - to some degree. (which often means accelerated wear).

Maybe even some stress cracks down the road if it's really bad.

But... You talking about a machine you're using to drag thousands of pounds more than it was ever designed to pull.

You're more likely to have bigger problems from pulling than anything a wobbling flywheel would cause.

And I don't mean that in a bad way like you shouldn't be pulling with it - not at all - just that I'd say a slight flywheel wobbles is probably the least of your worries.

 

[Dane B]

Thanks for all of the replies. I understand that deere flywheels are known to grenade at 2000+ rpms but I was just curious if the wobble (even at 1400) would create enough added stress that I should be concerned of its durability. The flywheel is definitely solid and tight to the shaft, just has about 1/8" wobble like I mentioned. Thanks again.

Dane