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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Wolseley renovation

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My 1970s Wolseley 27" Self-propelled Grasscutter has been an extremely useful machine since bought in 1986 -- but now it needs thorough renovation. All is dismantled bar the main pulley drive through to the blade connections, which are all on a vertical shaft about 12" long.  The shaft emerges through the top of the main pulley as a large threaded bolt.  The pulley has a central hard-steel collar with a key slot. I cannot work out whether the collar is welded to the pulley core and so the pulley unscrews, or whether it is part of the central shaft and the pulley should be removed with a puller.  I have applied heat and force in both ways without result except that the large puller I have used is distorting the mild steel pulley.  

Is there a parts diagram out there that would give me the vital clues?  I would be very grateful?

Forums

wristpin Tue, 03/12/2019

Oh dear, it will require some careful fettling to restore that pulley.

The pressed steel rims are crimped or spot welded to the boss which in turn is keyed to the shaft but from the parts diagram appears to also be a taper fit on the shaft. In the absence of any specific knowledge, I would suggest. Replace the nut, snug it to the pulley and then back it off one turn. Then while applying an upward force ( possibly with the help of an assistant) to the pulley give the nut a sharp smack with a copper/lead hammer to break the boss's grip on the taper. If that doesn't work, try applying some heat to the pulley and boss.    

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4sv61fe9j6777h9/W%20Webb%20%2027%20inch%20200…

EDIT Thinking about my advice above ,it is probably safer to back the nut off to cover the end of th threads. Strange what one thinks about when out raking leaves - lots of them!!

 

hortimech Tue, 03/12/2019

It has been a long time since I saw a Wolseley 27 (or a 23, come to that), but the procedure Wristpin suggested should work. You could also make a puller similar to a flywheel puller and drill two holes in the pulley, fit the puller with two bolts through the puller and the pulley, tighten the bolts to put pressure on the shaft and pulley and then shock everything with a sharp hammer blow, hopefully the pulley will pop off the shaft. At least that's how we used to remove them all those years ago.

I am getting old, machines I can remember being introduced are now museum pieces ;-)

Wolseleyworker Tue, 03/12/2019

Many thanks to you both for your excellent advice, and for the parts diagram.  It is good to know definitively that the pressed steel pulley does pull and separate from the smaller hard steel pulley below. 

I have drilled three holes through the pulley, closer to its centre, and inserted threaded studs so I can tighten nuts in the right direction against the pulley.

When I can next give the job time, I will tighten the nuts, apply some heat and use my copper-faced hammer judiciously.

Again, my thanks

wristpin Wed, 04/12/2019

That is an elegant solution! My guess is that with a bit pressure from your screw jacks and a sharp tap, it will be off.