I'm trying to remove the flywheel, but really don't want to pay $50 for a tool. Any ideas besides taking to a shop?

 

You can use a standard steering wheel puller with metric bolts. Best to use with an impact and socket as they tend to be a little tough to get off sometimes.

 

I tried a puller, and the bolts wouldn't go in straight. I was afraid the the bolts would break, so I stopped. If I try this again, is it best to get it as tight as I can, and then hit the end of the puller with a hammer to break it loose? Or do I impact it until it breaks free?

 

You can try to heat around flywheel a little,then make sure the bolts are in in tight enough not to pull out, then impact again. On really hard ones I heat, impact,if doesnt pop off,then heat a little more with puller under pressure and usually will pop off by itself or with a little tap with a hammer. Make sure you dont damage or mushroom out crankshaft end!

 

i made my own puller with some 1/4" plate and a nut in the middle of it.. then drilled the three holes around the ouside to attach to the flywheel..havent come across a flywheel i couldnt get off with it yet. (that it matches ofcourse)