Peetie Wheatstraw wrote:

A friend ran his (maybe 3.5 hp) Briggs/Stratton push mower over an
unmovable (sawed off) metal standard. CLUNK!

Didn't do much to the blade, but the shaft looks bent. Will turn OK
for 180 degrees, -very- tight for the other 180.

Can such a shaft be straightened? If so, how?

Thx,
Peetie

While nothing is impossible, strightening a crankshaft bent enough to
create that "tight" result will cost your friend a lot more than buying
and installing a new engine or just purchasing a new mower.

Replacing the crankshaft with a new part (and new gaskets, keys and
seals where required) is a possibility, but only if your friend knows
what he's doing, has all the proper tools at hand,and doesn't place a
dollar value on his time.

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.8*10^12 furlongs per fortnight.