Last week while running my motor the bolts in the flywheel that holds the screen to keep trash from getting to the flywheel sheared off, actually thought I had major issue till I shut it down and removed the grate on the front of the motor and could see what actually happened
I took the screen out and the broke bolts and made it back in, has anyone else had this happen
I am going to put the cover back on and just run it till I can get the broke studs out of the flywheel and replace
I wouldn't think it is an issue due to the screen just protecting against trash like from mowing etc and this is ran on water instead
Any input?

I assume you are talking about the "mesh" grass screen and not the actual fan shroud?

If so, yes, having them come apart is not unheard of. Especially on modded motors turning higher RPM.

You need the metal ring put back over the middle of the fan so the fan doesn't flex and break apart. Then use regular hex head bolts instead of the long studs used to hold the screen on. I used loctite on these bolts as well.

If you really want to keep the screen, some guys have just zip tied it to the fan shroud to keep sticks and such from going inside the fan.

Thanks

had it happen to me a few months ago that screen came loose some how and it tore through the side the outside cover...sheared 2 bolts on outside cover and 2 of the 3 studs on the flywheel broke and it tore the blades on my fan up...new fan and 2 new studs it was good to go get rid of that mesh gaurd and just cut the studs down to an inch or so

same thing happen to me the other day, broke 3-4 little fan blades as well... I just pulled it all out and running the damn thing!!

The little black metal ring is critical!! It keeps the fan from expanding under rpms and contacting the shroud. Use an easy out to get the broken studs out, and install the ring with shorter screws.

Left hand drill bit !! You can get a set for $3-$4 bucks at Haborfreight. works well!

If the motor is out of warranty then I remove everyone that crosses my path.

Happened to me as we'll. bolt/screw removal set at lowes 10 bucks. Put in new bolts with metal ring as stated above. If not the fan will flex and eat up your cowling.

i just cut the studs down..didnt put the ring or grass screen back and replaced the fan..no issues yet and this is a modded motor turning 4500+ so idk about all the flexing yall talking about

We found out u can also remove the fly wheel and get them out from the back by using pliers and screwing them on thru

Haha!

Better have the ring if not I will send you a picture of what happens

i had a dumb moment lol i put that one back i was thinking of the triangle bracket

Just had this same issue and looked up this thread for a solution.

Good info above. I understand that Briggs is not even shipping the high end motors with the Grass Screen and long studs anymore. I bought the left hand drill bit set from Harbor Freight. Broke a few of the smallest pieces, but the studs spun right out while drilling.

Make sure to replace the fan and the inner metal ring. There is now a short stud set from Boat Dr. That should fix it up!!