I'm having a hard time getting the primary gear off of my crankshaft. I'm using a small 2-jaw puller and it just doesn't want to budge. Is there something I'm missing?

You could try this :

Put the most tension you can by turning your puller's large bolt. Then hit the puller large bolt with a hammer. It usually works for me.

Beg,borrow a proper Ducati primary gear puller.
Worth the investment.
Good luck
Paul

Come to the house and borrow my puller Geoff. MikeV
Like huit said.

Heat will also help, though sometimes a propane isn't enough and I have to get the oxy-acetylene out.

Palmer

Thanks for the insight. I tried propane with no luck. I'll try the MAPP gas and see if that gets it.

I use a heavy brass punch and a heavier hammer on the gear when it is under as much tension as I dare. I try to smack it just above the keyway area[no science here, it just worked getting off a stubborn one once]. The idea is to just get it to vibrate a touch so it releases its grip on the taper. Be prepared though, it comes off with a startling BANG!

I am have the exact same problem at this very moment trying to remove a primary gear. It is the hardest one I have come across in over 30 odd years.

My friend has a hydraulic gear extractor, I have never used one before, has anyone else ?

Hydraulics would be wonderful and I've got plenty of high force tools here in my shop at work. The big problem is getting behind the gear. A 3-jaw puller is putting all the force on the gear teeth which doesn't seem ideal with the risk of breaking a tooth. And getting a split plate puller behind there looks difficult with the lack of clearance to the crank case.

I wish they had drilled and tapped a couple holes in the gear.

I have faced the same experience - on one motor it came off more or less easily - the recent attempt on another motor it was like welded on the crank shaft...I would strongly advise to use the factory tool - it saves a lot of nerves and also time. It is also a good ideas to retain the nut on the crank, otherwise it is possible the primary will be found in the opposite corner of the workshop...

Good luck!

Wolf