New! Kirkham 427 FE Billet Flywheel Twin Clutch

[patrickt]

David, that is very cool. Removing the extra aluminum from the perimeter of the circle doesn't weaken it for starter motor purposes? Or is the amount of stress put on it while cranking really just not enough to matter?

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by patrickt

David, that is very cool. Removing the extra aluminum from the perimeter of the circle doesn't weaken it for starter motor purposes? Or is the amount of stress put on it while cranking really just not enough to matter?

Does removing material weaken the perimeter...yet. But, there is actually very little torque required to start the motor so it is not a big deal.

David

[olddog]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

Does removing material weaken the perimeter...yet. But, there is actually very little torque required to start the motor so it is not a big deal.

David

Dave,

I agree that the starter will not put enough torque to hurt the design. However I think the ring gear is heat shrank on, in most designs. I think the interferance fit is all that keeps it from slipping. The thin ring of aluminum may loosen in all areas other than the spokes. When considering aluminum creeps over time, it may not loosen for a few years.

If in deed you are using a shrink fit, I would suggest drilling a few holes centered at the interface between the ring gear and flywheel and then pressing in pins.

If you already addressed this issue in another way, I appologize for the interruption.

My hat is off to you on the inovative approach!

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by olddog

Dave,

I agree that the starter will not put enough torque to hurt the design. However I think the ring gear is heat shrank on, in most designs. I think the interferance fit is all that keeps it from slipping. The thin ring of aluminum may loosen in all areas other than the spokes. When considering aluminum creeps over time, it may not loosen for a few years.

If in deed you are using a shrink fit, I would suggest drilling a few holes centered at the interface between the ring gear and flywheel and then pressing in pins.

If you already addressed this issue in another way, I appologize for the interruption.

My hat is off to you on the inovative approach!

Thank you for your kind words (and Jeff, and Art). You are most welcome to ask questions and point out any mistakes we may have made! That is why pencils have erasers. We all learn here on the boards. We certainly don't have all the answers and there are a lot of bright guys here. Any time I may say something dumb, I am most happy to have someone point it out! The only dumb question is the question not asked.

If you look closely at the outer edge of the aluminum on the flywheel you can see 3 holes spaced at 120 degrees apart. If you look on the back of the flywheel, there are also 3 machined recesses next to the holes. They are for the retaining tabs (not on yet). We will weld the tabs onto the ring gear and then bolt the tabs to the flywheel. There are many companies who do that. I have also seen the pin method you describe on some flywheels.

Also, the ring gear is 0.040" smaller than the flywheel. You do have to heat it up to put it on--like all flywheels I have ever seen.

David