Can you still use a push mower with a bent crankshaft?

Question

I ran over a small tree stump yesterday, and replaced the blade -- but the crankshaft is bent. The mower rattles quite a bit, but I assume it's still usable. Am I right? The mower is a troy-bilt mower with a Honda engine. 5.5 HP, 160 cc

Answer 1

A bent crankshaft will put a lot of stain the engine and blade parts. The consequence of that shaft breaking and the blade flying around loose is a bit scary. I don't think that continuing to use it in that condition is worth the possible consequence. A steel blade weighing a couple of pounds turning at 3500 rpm is nothing to fool with. I vote that you get it fixed, replace it, or leave it.

Are you sure the crankshaft is bent? Have you checked the blade adaptor? It may have sheared the key and is not on the shaft straight. Remove the blade and the adaptor and check the shaft for straightness. Remember to remove the sparkplug wire when working under the mower.

Answer 2

Make sure it is a bent crank shaft, Sometimes when the blade is sharpened wrong the mower will shake really bad, Put on a new blade and see if this clears it up If not, Then Stop using the mower and remove the spark plug, you will need to get it repaired, The blade may be unbalance because of uneven wear or improper sharpening.

Answer 3

How do you know the crank shaft is bent? Ive done the very same thing and knocked the mower out of timing, which made the mower run real rough. Getting back, with a bent crank if you have one and keep running the mower, it will eventually kill the mower. Another choice, if you think its worth it get an estimate to get it repaired.

Answer 4

The motor will run, however, because of the bent shaft, severe vibration will occur and the crankshaft bearing and other internal parts will deteriorate rapidly. I suggest not running the motor to prevent further damage to the internal parts of the engine. Replacing the crankshaft is less expensive that the entire bottom. (or side depending on whether the shaft is vertical or horizontal)

Repairing the Honda engine is cheaper than buying a new one.

Answer 5

Wrong. Running the mower will lead to a catastrophic failure that could cost you some limbs or even kill you. Have the unit repaired.

Answer 6

You can still use it, just put a 12 foot handle on it and wear full body armor when using it!! and keep all kids and animals in the house!
better just get it fixed, body armor is expensive.

Answer 7

Not a good idea. Check on eBay, you can often find good replacement engines like yours cheap.