Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Eager 1, 6.75 hp, self propelled mower, craftsman eager 1, crankshaft straightener

Question

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Followup To

Question -
Sun blinded me and I hit a tree root. Took off gthe top and stalled the mower. Can't restart. Pull cord is tough pull - did I knock it out of alignment, bend the shaft, knock the motor base out of kilter?  Feeld like a severe rub when i pull the rope.

Answer -
 Hello Scott:

 Remove the Spark Plug. Tilt the Mower so the Plug Hole is Facing Up. Turn the Engine by Hand and Watch the Blade Mounting Bolt. Does the Bolt have a Wobble when the Engine is Turned? If Yes, then the Crankshaft is Bent. Is the Blade Bent? If the Crankshaft is Bent Enough it will Give the Severe Rub you are Speaking of. The Blade will do this Also if it is Bent Bad Enough to Rub the Frame. If the Crankshaft or Blade is Bent, then the Flywheel Key will Also have to be Replaced. Depending on how Bad the Crankshaft is Bent, it May Not be Repairable. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John

John,

Blade removed - amazingly blade shows no indication of having hit root - no nicks/bends.  With blade off, attempted to turn blade hub by hand - VERY difficult.  Blade was never in contact with the housing - lots of clearance. Have not pulled plug - but sounds like I may not have to, certainly behaves like bent crank.  Motor trashed?  How do I determine if crank is beyond repair?  Disassemble and "mic" crank or measure bow/deflection?  Should I just remove from frame and then disassemble?

Thanx again, John - you've been big help!

Best,
Scott

Answer
 Hello Scott:

 Remove the Engine from the Deck. Most Small Engine Repair Shops have a Crankshaft Straightener. The Straightener Shows the Deflection of the Crankshaft. They can Check the Amount of Bend in the Crankshaft and Tell you if it Requires a New Crankshaft or they can Straighten the One in the Engine. I suggest from your Description that you Replace the Crankshaft. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John