HF 79cc Flywheel Question

Mike, I'm sure there are better ways to clean up surface rust but I have found that 2 stroke exhaust sludge works great. Just rub some on with your finger. Seems to be the perfect amount of abrasive and oils as it cleans.

Sounds nutz but give it a try.

Now that's resourceful!

I recently cleaned my flywheel on my flathead, and it made a huuuuuge difference, lol. I used a wire brush (copper wire, steel is probably much better and I will get one soon, but it's what I had handy), went around the whole flywheel, turning it by hand and brushing off as much rust as I could. Then I wiped with a sponge and dried with a paper towel. Let me put it this way. I didn't think I had my idle turned up real high, and before I cleaned the flywheel it just kinda chug-chugged at idle. After cleaning the flywheel, it was revving so high on idle I had to turn it down quite a bit. That's how much difference cleaning a rusty flywheel can make. I now plan to get a steel brush asap and clean it once a month. I could not believe the difference it made.

Remove the flywheel, protect the magnet with some sort of cover and sand blast the cast iron. Give it a clear coat and re-install.

Or you can use rust buster or navel jelly to remove the rust, wash and dry then give it a clear coat to prevent it from rusting again.

Try Permatex rust removal spray. I found it at Pep Boys. I bought an old motorcycle that had a lot of rusted chrome. I mean every bit of chrome was rusted. I tried navel jelly and it didn't work at all. I sprayed The Permitax on carefully. Don't get it on the paint or rubber. I brushed it on in tight area's near paint. Anyway I hosed it off and 90% of the rust came with just a rinse. I spot cleaned the stubborn area's a couple of times washed it with soap and water, and it looked great. Easiest rust removal I have ever done. As Sotto suggested clear coat it.