Tips on removing RPS flywheel plates?

[3Srunner]

As you can see below some of the plates have melted over, but it should be easy enough with the cut off tool and/or chisel to remove the excess. My problem is simply removing the screws. I tried to put some pressure on a couple of the cleaner ones and they were on the verge of stripping. I believe the screws are aluminum and installed with loctite. I'm hoping to remove the screws without damaging the threads if possible and I'm not to confident in easy-outs for this. Any ideas?

Shawn...

[UTRacerX9]

Well, I've never had to do this myself, and I'm definitely not looking forward to it. I've seen what Alamo Autosports does though, they take the flywheel and stick it in a vice, then get an impact wrench with an adapter for hex keys. Fit it into the hole, then lean forward and press into it with their body weight and hit the trigger. For those that are melted over, no idea the best way of going about that.

[Keyan]

heat removes loctite.

[3Srunner]

Thanks guys! I'll try to apply some heat with the torch tonight and see if I can break them free. I'd expect to strip them with the impact, but if I can't get them out by hand I may try to hit one and see what happens.

Shawn...

[Caswell239]

Use impact "driver" not impact wrench. It's like a giant sprig loaded screw driver. Twist the handle then smack the end of the handle with a hammer and it works great!

[3Srunner]

Use impact "driver" not impact wrench. It's like a giant sprig loaded screw driver. Twist the handle then smack the end of the handle with a hammer and it works great!

Thanks! An impact driver did the trick. I broke several hex bit/sockets along the way but was able to remove all the screws without damaging any of the threads.

However, my excitement was short lived.

Shawn...

[Caswell239]

Well I'm glad the impact driver did the trick for ya but sorry the plates don't line up. Can't help ya there.

[stealthII]

That's very interesting on the plate alignment. I usually send mine in to RPS to install the plates and balance it (not sure if they even do that). Is that an older RPS flywheel or something?

[3Srunner]

That's very interesting on the plate alignment. I usually send mine in to RPS to install the plates and balance it (not sure if they even do that). Is that an older RPS flywheel or something?

I purchased the plates from 3sx and gave them a call first. They informed me that they had a similar issue recently and that I should contact RPS directly. So hopefully RPS will get this resolved.

I'm guessing there was just a bad batch of plates, but like you was also wondering if there could have been an older style. I'll update once I find out what the problem is.

Thanks,
Shawn...

[3Srunner]

RPS knew exactly what was going on. The guy I spoke with said the problem was created when they started to use a new machine shop to make the plates. He said if I send the flywheel in they will install the plates, balance the flywheel, and cover return shipping for free. So RPS will be taking care of this problem, they really seem to have great customer service!

Shawn...