It's a push mower with a Tecumseh engine and the crank shaft seems to be OK. It's the part of the shaft that extends from the bottom of the engine (the blade is bolted to it) that's bent. I've been able to straighten it quite a bit, but I've heard that it might be dangerous to use the mower once that shaft has been bent. Safe or unsafe? Any advice appreciated!
2006-08-06 10:46:30 · 7 answers · asked by L. W 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Not dangerous...... if gotten back totally straight.... its ok.
I second the get a briggs notion..... hit almost anything with em and never bent one yet. Plus tecumsehs are bad for connecting rods throwing.
2006-08-06 17:44:37 · answer #1 · answered by 572ci. 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't use it. You'll never get back to perfectly straight, and it will always have a vibration. The metal in the shaft has been stressed, and is probably weakened. If it goes, that could be a nasty projectile that would do a lot of damage. Take it to a repair shop, and have them replace the shaft. It's still cheaper than buying a new mower.
2006-08-06 10:54:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, do not attempt to straighten a bent shaft, its made from hardened steal and bending it twice will likely crack it.
You won't get it straight and it will vibrate the engine apart.
Just replace the mower and and clean up your yard.
2006-08-06 10:58:20 · answer #3 · answered by Archer Christifori 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would guess the shaft would be weakened after bending and bending again to straighten,could be dangerous. Be very careful engine does not inadvertently start while you are probably turning shaft. Remove spark plug wire.
2006-08-06 12:10:05 · answer #4 · answered by luther 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only way to fix the crankshaft is to replace it and if your mower isn't self propelled or under warranty, your beter off just buying a new one if you can't do the job yourself. The crankshaft and labor in a shop will go over then what the unit is worth more then likely
2006-08-06 13:36:52 · answer #5 · answered by Boxer Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say dangerous. Unless you properly straighten it, it will be off balance, leading to funky operation, and eventually, it could possibly break catastrophically. Is there any way to replace the shaft cheaply???
2006-08-06 10:59:08 · answer #6 · answered by Lothario 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you take it to a shop as listed above, expect to pay $140.
Just go buy a new one. And get one with a Briggs &Stratton
2006-08-06 10:57:22 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋