On Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:24:47 -0500, "Don Young" wrote:


"Peetie Wheatstraw" wrote in message
.. .

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
All manufacturers and most mechanics do not recommend it. However, it can be
and is done. Some engine shops have a tool/fixture for doing it and others
will not attempt it. I have straightened several, some while in the engine
and some removed, and have never had any problems with them. There is a risk
that the shaft might be already cracked or be cracked while straightening
and that is why it is not a recommended fix. A shaft bent severely enough to
bind would not be a good candidate for straightening.

"It takes a special tool/fixture and there are (obviously) risks involved"?

I had to ask: for all I knew, there might be a splined connector or some-such
between crank and blade-shaft, which could be easily replaced. No such luck,
evidently.

Thanks,
Peeite