I am replacing the flywheel ring gear and starter gear on a 12.5 hp Briggs--Stratton engine from the 1990's. Do I loosen the flywheel bolt clockwise or counterclockwise?
Larry

Hi! curley1, welcome to AMHD :)

I am replacing the flywheel ring gear and starter gear on a 12.5 hp Briggs--Stratton engine from the 1990's. Do I loosen the flywheel bolt clockwise or counterclockwise?
LarryEven on their site they don't tell you. Scroll down to; B&S - Removing The Flywheel (http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=3422), But in #3 (image B) , it shows the mechanic pulling on the flywheel holder, and pushing on the socket wrench.

That would mean counter-clockwise.
http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Resources/BriggsFAQs/shared/pics/Faqs/99B-removing_the_flywheel.jpgImage borrowed from B&S

If you can afford not to use the socket extension do not, as it will increase the possibility of the socket slipping off the flywheel nut, and rounding off the nut or busting your knuckles. If you have to try to use a shorter one or a deeper socket.