Changing the starter ring gear on the flywheel of a Lycoming engine

[@russellkeith1284]

I replaced mine a couple of years ago and used my gas grill to heat the new ring gear and it worked well. Wife won't let me use the oven, after the melted plastic incident.

[@martinheisler3121]

Tried this today . Worked great , ring gear fell right on . Thanks for the RV4 ride at Oshkosh about 40 years ago . Like you I have built many airplanes , starting with the RV 4 . Enjoy your arcticles in Sport Aviation

[@baselegaviation1614]

You’re welcome. Keep the dream going.

[@DanY-pm6sb]

Vic, you're working too hard. Use a torch and focus the heat on the ring gear and it will fall off in seconds. I had great success using the same install technique you described.

[@baselegaviation1614]

I’m not comfortable using a torch around an aluminum flywheel. This is the recommended method.

[@MBATrucker]

First, a screw driver is not a chisel and should not be used as one. Second, why not use heat on the ring gear? Heat would cause the ring to expand allowing for fairly easy removal. Such a technique is normal in automotive ring gear removal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJDWmJyKlpiam9k

[@asho1735]

sure, it looks a little easier if you are proficient with the acetylene torch

[@MBATrucker]

@@asho1735 a propane torch, or a MAP gas torch will work just as well.

[@baselegaviation1614]

Perhaps all of you should read Lycoming Service instruction before you engage your keyboard: Service Instruction No. 1141A. This is done IAW with that, as are the many others I have done over the years.Second, if you looked more closely that was a screwdriver that is intended to be used as a chisel. It is solid steel all the way through, and belonged to my father-in-law. It's worked for more years than we have been around. No, you don't want an acetylene torch around an aluminum flywheel.

[@Nord3202]

I have used a welding torch out in the field but its alot harder to get uniform heat & it ruins the plating on the new ring gear making it easier to rust. Oven is the way to go, handle with thick leather welding gloves. Freezer or use the snow in winter for the ring gear support. But you definitely can't heat the ring gear to remove it. Sometimes cutting it on a 45°with a cut off wheel on a die grinder gets a deeper cut without hitting the ring gear support. Great video 👍