Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecemsuh Crankshaft replacement, horizontal shaft, hose clamp

Question
I broke a crankshaft on a horizontal shaft 8 hp engine.  I am pretty comfortable with engine repair, but haven't been that deep into an engine. Does a crankshaft replacement require special tools, or expertise that is highly specialized?  I would love to jump into the project, but don't want to crash into an impossible wall.

Answer
Hello Tom:

Using an Engine Breakdown/IPL, Most People can Do this Repair with Little to No Major Problems. For a Ring Compressor you can Use a Wide Hose Clamp that will Compress All the Rings at the Same Time. This is if you have to Remove the Piston when Replacing the Crankshaft. Usually I Push the Piston All the Way to the Cylinder Head and Turn the Crankshaft so the Counterbalance of the Crankshaft is Away from the Connecting Rod and Carefully Remove the Crankshaft from the Block. If the Piston is Removed from the Block, then the Cylinder Must be De-Glazed even if you are Reusing the Old Rings. Using the Following Instruction Files and the Tecumseh PDF Addy, you should have No Problem Replacing the Crankshaft. Remember to Keep All the Parts as Clean as Possible when Assembling the Engine. The Following File is an Instruction File for Replacing the Governor. At the End I have Included Instructions for Removing the Crankshaft. I have Not had the Opportunity to Make a File Just for Crankshaft Replacement but will Do so Shortly. The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Examining the Inside of a Small Engine and will Assist you in having Access to the Governor, Oil Pump (if Applicable), Cam and Crankshaft Gear. Any Input is Appreciated. **This is a Simple Process. Drain the Oil and Remove the Engine to the Work Bench with the Oil Pan Facing Up. I have a Wooden Rest that was Especially Made to Hold the Engine when in this Position. Using Fine Sand Paper, Remove ALL the Rust and Debris from the Crankshaft. Remove the Oil Pan Bolts. After All the Oil Pan Bolts are Removed; Tap Lightly on the Sides of the Oil Pan to Loosen it from the Dowel Pins. When the Oil Pan is Removed, you can See the Governor Resting on Top of the Cam Gear. ****If Required: Lift Off and Replace with a New Governor. Check the Engine Block for Debris from the Old Governor and Wipe the Inside of the Block With a Rag, Until Clean. Set the Governor Shaft So it will be Resting on the Governor whine the Oil Pan is Replaced and Carefully Replace the Oil Pan. If the Crankshaft Seal Was Not Leaking, then Leave it Alone. It Should be OK. You can Easily Replace it While Mounted on the Machine if Required Later. Make Sure the Governor Stays in Contact with the Governor Shaft while Replacing the Oil Pan. Re - Mount the Engine to the Machine. Refill With Oil. Your Internal Governor May Differ.**  Before Removing the Oil Pan, Remove the Flywheel and the Coil. The Following is the Instruction File I Made for Removing the Flywheel from Most Mower Engines.  It is the Basics and if you have a Question, Please Ask. Any Input to Make this File Better is Appreciated. ***Disconnect the Coil Wire from the Spark Plug. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Coil. Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** Be Sure you have the Flywheel Torqued to the Proper Torque (I require the Model and Spec/Type Numbers Off the Engine to Provide the Proper Torque) and Set the Coil Gap to .020in.. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf  . Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John