How to Rebuild a Tiller Engine & Remove the Flywheel

Order a manual for the tiller if you no longer have one that includes a parts list.

Take the tiller engine off of the tiller by disconnecting all of the screws and bolts. Place the engine on a large work surface. Choose a work area that is well lighted and can be used over several days if you don’t plan on finishing the project at one time.

Record a video as you take apart the pieces of the engine and lay them aside. This will be helpful when you begin to reassemble the engine. Name each part as you record your video and set them aside.

Remove the flywheel from the tiller engine by first removing the clutch. Use a special tool that fits over the four ears on the clutch to screw it on or off. Alternatively, you can use a block of hardwood against the base of the tabs and tap each a few times until they come loose. Remove the clutch and pry up lightly on the solid part of the flywheel while tapping on the end of the crankshaft with a brass hammer.

Inspect each part for damage when the flywheel is off, and pay close attention to the flywheel key. If the flywheel key is damaged or deformed the rebuilt engine won’t start.

Check each part for corrosion or oil build-up, and clean with a carburetor cleaner or other cleaner designed to remove gunk from engines. After cleaning, determine which parts need replacing, and order those parts from a small engine repair shop or online.

Rebuild the engine using both the manual and the video you recorded when taking the engine apart after the new parts arrive.

Oil the rebuilt engine thoroughly, and let it sit for a few days before retuning it to the tiller and restarting. This gives the new seals a chance to get well lubricated before running the new engine for the first time.