Note: Vespas have 2 different style of flywheels. One type is self-extracting and the other
needs a puller. We explain both below.
Self-Extracting Flywheels
Most pre-1970 Vespa scooters have the selfextracting
type. This is a very easy flywheel
to remove. In the center on the flywheel you
will see a nut. This is the nut that holds the
flywheel on. The nut is protected from
coming off by a c-clip. You can find this just
in front of the nut. The c-clip is held in a
small groove in the center hub in the
flywheel.
To remove this type of flywheel you will need
a socket set and a wrench set, and they both
need to be metric. You will also need a
hammer, a pair of c-clip pliers or a pair of
needle nose pliers, and a 8-12 inch length
of rope that will fit down the spark plug
hole.
Now we are ready to remove the flywheel!
First, remove the fan shroud and spark plug.
Turn the flywheel counterclockwise so that
the piston is 3/4 of the way up the cylinder.
Next, gently push the rope into the cylinder
head so that you have about 4-6 inches in.
Now turn the flywheel counterclockwise
some more. (If you have done it right, the
flywheel will not fully turn; it will stop partway.
The rope will keep the piston from
going all the way up the cylinder and will
keep the flywheel from turning and then you
can loosen the nut that holds it on.)
Loosen the flywheel nut and turn it so that it backs
into the c-clip. You will need to turn it tight
against the c-clip. Take the hammer and
strike the flywheel around the center hub.
The best place to do this is on the rivet
heads that surround the nut. Three to four
sharp blows with the hammer should do it.
Next, turn out the nut some more and the
flywheel should "pop" off. (if you are having
trouble, just repeat the steps above and it
will eventually come off… don’t worry, just
be patient.)
Puller Flywheels
To remove this type of flywheel you will need
to purchase or borrow a Vespa flywheel
puller. You will still need to do the rope trick
above to remove the nut.
All you need to do is thread the puller into
the flywheel (put some WD40 or oil onto the
puller threads so that it will go in easier.)
Next, hold the puller by the base and turn in
the main bolt on the puller and presto! ....Off
comes your flywheel!