Lawn mower crankshaft replacement. How to Tell If Lawn Mower Crankshaft is Bent

How to Tell If Lawn Mower Crankshaft is Bent?

Trusted Source Lawn mower. Wikipedia A lawn mower (also known as mower, grass cutter or lawnmower) is a machine utilizing one or more revolving blades to cut a grass surface to an even height. en.wikipedia.org

? You might have recently hit a bump or a rock, and it caused damage to the machine. That might have led to a bent crankshaft, which is a common issue with lawnmowers. The problem is that you have no idea how to fix it.

Before you resort to repairing the unit, it’s important to determine the issue. But how to tell if the lawnmower crankshaft is bent? That’s what we are trying to discover in this article.

You might suspect something is wrong because your machine doesn’t act the same as before. For example, it might be vibrating while starting or during an operation, or you hear loud noises. The problem is that a bent crankshaft can lead to a variety of issues that could destroy your machine but also cause injuries. Here is what you should know about this damage and how to repair it quickly!

Can you find any signs of deformation?

Is there a way to positively identify that a bent crankshaft is causing problems with your machine? You have two approaches to determining the issue. The first one is to look for potential symptoms, and the alternative is to check the crankshaft yourself. Here is a detailed explanation of the lawnmower bent crankshaft symptoms.

Typical symptoms

The problems you can notice come down to the following:

• Unusual sounds and vibrations – it’s normal for lawnmowers to emit some vibration and sounds. The problem is when the sounds are unusual and not the same ones as before. For example, the machine might produce harsh sounds once turned on, but only for a couple of seconds. It might vibrate excessively when you are trying to move it. Anything that seems out of the ordinary can be an indicator of a bent crankshaft.
• Transmission problems – these occur when you try to ignite the lawnmower. It’s similar to starting a car – you might have trouble turning it on, and it could require several tries to succeed. It’s a common symptom of a bent crankshaft.

Physical inspection

The next is a physical inspection, which means checking the crankshaft by yourself. Now, there are multiple ways to do this, and we’ll explain them below.

While you are assessing the unit, you might encounter other issues, too. If you have a problem with your blades, find a replacement among the best lawn mower blades to ensure the maximum longevity of the new component.

How does it work?

If you want to determine a bent crankshaft, it’s best to ask a neighbor or family member to help with assessing the damage. For starters, take off the spark plug from the machine. Now, ask the other person to initiate the cord to start the machine. While they do that, you FOCUS on the blade and the bolt that holds it. If you notice any shakes or wobbles, it’s an indicator something is wrong.

Now, there is another method on how to perform a physical inspection yourself. Here are the steps to follow:

• Remove the spark plug and turn your machine over.
• Identify the cutting deck skirt on one end. Use a ruler and clamp it from the deck’s edge to the place where the shaft touches it.
• Use your hands to turn the shaft. Check out the gap and see what happens during a single rotation. Did it expand and contract after that? If that’s the case, there’s a deformity in your crankshaft.

To avoid these issues in the future, you can also get an electric model, such as the Greenworks G-MAX 25322. It can mow 400m2 on a single charge and is suitable for various grass types.

What causes a bent crankshaft?

Your mower’s blade operates at over 200mph when in action. Those are huge speeds, which is why the machine uses plenty of kinetic energy. Once the unit encounters an obstacle, such as a blade, it dissipates energy through the shaft and the blade. It’s that energy that causes the bending.

Here are some causes of a bent crankshaft:

• You hit a rock, sprinkler, pipe, or another immovable object that’s not too light.
• You tried to do something with the machine and dropped the shaft accidentally.
• Something went wrong during the manufacturing, installation, or maintenance process.

It’s always Smart to pick reliable and high-quality mowers to reduce the risk of any issues. The selection of the best corded electric lawn mowers can help to identify the right machine in that category.

How can I repair a bent crankshaft?

The first thing is to secure the right tools.

Here is what you’ll require:

• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Nut drivers (depends on the machine)
• Socket set
• Heavy pipe
• Valve spring compressor tool
• Rubber hammers
• Vise grips

The first step is assessing the shaft. Here are the steps for doing that:

• Make sure your lawnmower is cool and turned off. Make sure to drain the oil by removing the oil plug. Now, drain the fuel by disconnecting the hose and opening the gas cap.
• Remove the air filter and then take off the engine. You want to remove the oil tubes and throttle cables, too.
• Now, take off the clutch, but use a wooden piece to place between the housing and the flywheel.
• Pry loose the flywheel bolt and remove the shear pin from the shaft. Remove the bolt from the blade, too, and take off the bolts that hold the engine and the deck.
• Place the motor in a safe position and use a screwdriver for the screws that keep the valve spring cover. Use the compressor tool to push down the spring. Allow it to compress and then slowly let go. Now, do the same with the other valve.
• Check out the blade and find the camshaft gear. Remove it and unscrew the bolts to access and disconnect the rod end cap.
• Slowly turn the crankshaft and take it off the engine.

Now, let’s do the straightening process. Position the shaft on a solid surface and place a heavy pipe on top of the bent. Use a hammer over the pipe several times. Now, see if the shaft is straight by using a level. If necessary, do some more straightening with the pipe and the hammer.

Once everything is straight again, assemble the machine back. You can follow the same steps above but in reverse. If you did everything right, the machine should work correctly again.

Trusted Source Buying a lawnmower: a guide | Family finances | The Guardian Whatever the size of your green sward, it’s time to consider how you are going to keep it under control. www.theguardian.com

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Extra tips

Here are some other crucial things to note when dealing with a damaged crankshaft:

• Check the warranty – is your product still under warranty? If the answer is yes, you’ll need to find a licensed technician. If you try to repair the issue yourself, it will void the warranty. If it happens that you fail during the repair, you will have to pay someone to fix the unit.
• Is the repair worth it? – although fixing a bent crankshaft doesn’t have to be expensive, replacing this part is. If the replacement is necessary, make sure that’s the right move. Perhaps it’s better to check out the best lawn mowers under 400 and invest in a new unit.
• Pay attention while mowing – the reason why the crankshaft gets bent is that it hits an obstacle. It’s impossible to notice every rock, but paying attention while mowing might decrease the risk of bending it.

FAQ

Q: What’s the price of replacing a bent crankshaft?

A: The total price shouldn’t go over 100. If you decide to pay a professional to handle the repair, that could increase the cost to 150.

Q: Is it possible to continue using the lawnmower when the crankshaft is bent?

A: While it might theoretically be possible to use the machine, the experts advise stopping immediately. If you notice any issue with the crankshaft, it’s imperative to stop it from damaging the engine and destroying the unit. It’s easier and more affordable to fix a bent crankshaft than a damaged engine.

Q: Is it Smart to fix a bent crankshaft by yourself?

A: You should only do this if you know what you’re doing. If you are unsure about any step of the process, call a professional. It helps if they are a licensed agent for that mower brand. Another thing to consider is the warranty – if it’s active, you shouldn’t handle the repair yourself.

Final thoughts

A lawnmower is an incredibly useful machine. It makes maintaining residential and commercial landscapes easy. While using these devices isn’t challenging, it’s vital to recognize any problem as soon as it appears. A bent crankshaft is a common issue with mowers, so pay attention and make sure to recognize the signs.

We hope our guide helped with how to tell if the lawnmower crankshaft is bent. You should rely on your eyes and ears when determining the issue. Once you establish the bending of the crankshaft, you have the option to repair it yourself. However, make sure that you know what you are doing during each step. You don’t want to risk causing even bigger damage. If you feel like you could use help, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

References

A lawn mower (also known as mower, grass cutter or lawnmower) is a machine utilizing one or more revolving blades to cut a grass surface to an even height.

Whatever the size of your green sward, it’s time to consider how you are going to keep it under control.

Is your Lawnmower Crankshaft bent? Find out now!

Is it normal to have the bent in the crankshaft of lawn mowers? But many of us are confused about telling if the lawnmower crankshaft is bent? For example, you are mowing your lawn and suddenly appear an unusual voice when its something like rock or metal pieces. Usually, we don’t care and restart the mowing process.

Well, it’s the primary reason for significant damages, including the bent in the crankshaft. It is a problem causing damage, that reduces the working of lawn mowers.

However, if you are also facing the same issue, this guide is for you. Here we will share, how to tell if the lawnmower crankshaft is bent? Its primary reasons and how to fix it?

Now let’s dive into its details.

How to tell if the lawnmower crankshaft is bent?

There are a few of the primary reasons for bent crankshaft that you should know. The primary symptoms of a bent lawn mower crankshaft are vibration, grinding noises, starting issues, stalling or uneven cuts during working, and others.

These are the signs from which you can easily tell your lawn mower crankshaft is bent. So before the query how to tell if a lawnmower crankshaft is bent, you need to know its symptoms.

Here we will share some common signs and methods for inspection to identify these signs. It will help you understand the issue in your lawn mower and crankshaft.

Search for the symptoms

Usually, there are two types of issues in the crankshaft of a lawnmower, including excessive vibrations and transmission issues.

Follow the below-mentioned methods for inspecting the issues as soon as possible.

Symptom 1 : Excessive vibrations

If you notice the grinding sound in your mower with the high vibration, there must be a reason. Check your crankshaft for its bent. Usually, these are the signs of the bent crankshaft that produce high noise and vibration during mowing. Closely inspect the lawnmower for its voices before and during the mowing work.

Symptom 2 : Transmission issues

Modern lawn mowers work on the engine, battery power, or gas. It may cause transmission issues, especially during the start and running time. The typical sign of crankshaft bent also leads to messing up in ignition or flywheel hits.

Symptom 3 : Physical issues

It is also essential to physically inspect the crankshaft and lawnmower for possible issues or damages.

Here are the four standard methods to physically assess the lawnmower crankshaft:-

Method 1 : Disconnect Spark Plug

It is the first method you can follow to know about the bent in the crankshaft. If you notice the spark in the plug then turn off the mower. Take a marker and mark one end of the mower blade. You can also clump the ruler with your mower edge that touches the crankshaft. Now manually start turning the crankshaft and notice the gap between ruler and crankshaft. You can catch the gap with one rotation. If there is a gap, it is clear that the crankshaft has bent and needs repair. In addition, it’s better to wear safety gloves while performing this inspection.

Method 2 : Look at the center bolt

Center bolts also help to diagnose the bent lawnmower crankshaft. However, remove the spark plug from the lawnmower and start pulling the starter cord of your mower. When drawing the line, ensure that you have an eye on the bolt that holds the blade and check for any wobbles in it. If you find any wobbles with the moving blade at any side, it is clear that it has a bent crankshaft.

Method 3 : Tie the brake handle down

It is another inspection method that helps the mower to prevent crankshaft spinning. Tie the brake handle down so that there is no movement. You can use handy materials like rope to avoid the action and then go through observation. Ensure that you park the lawnmower on a flat surface without debris disturbing you during the inspection. However, check for the signs of blade shaking. If you find any wobbles then there is a bent crankshaft.

Method 4 : Tilt your mower

Here is the last inspection method for bent in the crankshaft. You need to flip the lawnmower and tip it back on the back wheel in this method. You can also take the help of a third person to hold it back with you and maintain the position. over, you can also tilt the lawnmower on the right side and then inspect the crankshaft clear. It will give you the precise inspection of the viewer carburetor and air filter at your front.

How to repair the bent crankshaft of the lawnmower?

There are many professional services available that help you repair your lawn mower crankshaft. Professionals have special tools that make it easy to fix the crankshaft.

However, these professionals methods include:-

Method 1 : Shaft Straighteners

Shaft straighteners help repair the bent of the crankshaft. It provides a mechanical press that helps regain the crankshaft’s straight position. It is an efficient automated method to repair lawn mowers.

Method 2 : Sledgehammers

Sledgehammers also help remove the bent from the crankshaft and regain its original position. It applies the impact force that clears the bent. You may find it more complex than the shaft straightener.

Method 3 : Replacement of crankshaft

Sometimes the shaft bent in too bad a shape that it is impossible to repair. The only solution for this situation is to replace the crankshaft with a new one. You can replace the crankshaft with easy-to-follow guidelines by professionals. Ensure that your crankshaft is according to the requirements of the lawnmower. It helps you gain the whole working experience better.

Conclusion

Now you know how to tell if the lawnmower crankshaft is bent? It is essential to inspect the crankshaft with different methods and then use the appropriate repairing method. As mentioned earlier, a lawnmower with a bent crankshaft shows vibration, noise, and some other signs.

We hope this article helps you to understand the bent crankshaft and how to repair it.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What is new with John Deere Riding Lawn Equipment?

We are excited about the exclusive John Deere Easy Change™ 30 second oil change system. Exclusive to John Deere and only available on certain models of the new 100 Series Lawn Tractors. These tractors are designed for ease of use for both operation and maintenance. The John Deere Easy Change™ System (“Easy Change”) allows the user to easily complete the recommended engine oil and filter maintenance in 30 seconds.

What is this new oil change system?

We changed the oil change. The all-in-one oil and oil filter system gives the owner the ability to change a portion of the oil and the filter in less than 30 seconds.

What happens to the rest of the oil in the engine when the Easy Change system is replaced?

The Easy Change system replaces.8 quart of oil. The remaining oil in the engine is refreshed by the charge of new oil included in the replacement Easy Change system. Combined with 40% more engine oil capacity, improved filtration and cooler running temperatures which help extend oil life, it is no longer necessary to remove and dispose of all the oil in your engine during service.

What makes the Easy Change system unique from other filters?

It is not just a filter. It is a newly developed technology system that allows a new “filter” to come already charged with oil and allows you to remove an existing filter and the contaminants inside without tools and without making a mess. Beyond the filter, technology within the canister and on your engine makes this possible.

Models with the Easy Change oil system use a fully synthetic filter that has more capacity to trap and hold contaminants. The larger surface area of the Easy Change canister acts like a radiator helping the oil to stay cool.

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The John Deere 100 Series lawn tractor models, with and without Easy Change, are specified for the same lifetime and are rigorously tested to the same standards to ensure the life of the tractor meets expectations.

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Because this system also requires unique features within the engine, the Easy Change system cannot be added to an engine that was not equipped with it at the factory.

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We recommend only John Deere Turf-Gard™ 10W30 Oil. The Easy Change canister comes pre-filled with John Deere Turf-Gard™ 10W30 oil.

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What are the average lawn mower repair prices?

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A delay in fixing your lawnmower means more time for the grass in your yard to grow taller. A shrubby garden has more room for mosquitoes and gives an unpleasant view. Maintaining your lawn has its benefits, therefore, you should also choose to repair your lawn mower as soon as it needs to.

The average cost for lawn mower repair is around 80 to 100. Labor costs are priced at 45 to as much as 100 per hour, depending on the difficulty of your repair. For complicated damages like lawn mower bent crankshaft repair, the cost can go as much as 500 to 900. Lawn mower head gasket repair cost is the most expensive, with repairs ranging from 1200 to 3000, and usually lasts for 10 hours.

We wrote this lawn mower repair price list so you can include these repairs in your budget. Machine breakdowns are normal, and it might sound expensive but they will provide service that can last for years, especially if taken care of.

How much should a lawn mower repair cost?

Different kinds of lawn mowers are priced differently. See the table below for the price range of different types of lawn mowers:

Professionals can restore your mowers whether they are manual, electric or petrol powered. If you are quite unsure about what kind of mower you have, we can walk through a quick definition of each variant.

• Push/manual mowers. These are lawn mowers that do not require any fuel or electricity. It’s good to use if you want to save on your electricity bill. It’s perfect for small yards. This mower uses physical strengths and has a low cost of repair in case of a breakdown.
• Walk-behind mowers. This machine uses electricity and petrol, however, you need to be behind it to lead the cutting. Repair may be more costly than manual mowers.
• Self-propelled. These are automated so you don’t need to put so much effort into mowing. As this machine is more complicated than the other two, it is more expensive when repaired.
• Riding mower. As its name states, you can ride on this machine when mowing your lawn. It is great for extensive gardens. No physical effort is required when using this kind. Since it is priced on the expensive side, repairs can cost more as well.

The two most commonly used lawn mower are walk-behind mowers and riding mower. The other one is the cheapest while the other is the most expensive:

What are the different kinds of repair?

Different scenarios can cause your lawn mowers to malfunction. Damages like lawn mower head gasket repair costs can not only affect your lawn but your wallets as well. Lawn mower sharpening is included in the table as part of your mower’s maintenance. It is better to have a background of the probable cost so you know what to expect.

Here are the most common repairs you might encounter: