Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 57
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,224
NY
09-14-07, 11:42 AM
#3
You can check if the crank is bent by removing the spark plug, removing the blade and hub (what the blade attaches to), tip the mower on its side, have a second person squeeze the bale (brake) lever and pull on the starter rope. You can watch the action of the crankshaft yourself. The tricky part is to know how much wobble is severe and how much is tolerable. If the mower vibrates and there is no chunck out of the blade then it will still be in relative balance and then you can safely assume that the crank is to blame. Yes, a crankshaft can be replaced but it may not be worth the time and money since cranks are, generally, $50-70 then you'll need oil, gaskets, a seal, and likely a blade. This will put you near the cost of a new 3.5-horse mower since such small horsepower mowers are typically under $100.