How to tell if your lawnmower crankshaft is bent (2023)

Is your lawnmower's crankshaft bent? Learn how to tell if your lawnmower crankshaft is bent. The most common cause of a bent crankshaft is when it is dropped from a car or truck, which can happen quickly because it is so long and heavy. The next most likely cause of a bent crankshaft is when someone first tries to start the engine without releasing the clutch lever.

Both can cause the crankshaft to bend in multiple places, leading to serious problems such as damage to other parts of the mower, failure to start, or even serious injury from metal fragments! So, before taking any action to fix this issue, read this complete blog to get a clear idea of ​​the lawn mower crankshaft.

10 common causes of bent lawnmower crankshafts:

1. Dirt in the air intake:

If your mower blade suddenly stops spinning, the first thing to do is check the air intake for rocks or other debris that may have been sucked in. Then disconnect the spark plug and examine the area where the blade cuts across the deck, looking for any obstructions. If necessary, clean them.

2. Bent Lawn Mower Blade:

Remove the cutter blade and carefully examine it for bends, dents, cracks, or any other signs of damage that may have caused resistance that the crankshaft could not overcome. If damage is visible, replace blades before proceeding.

3. Bad lawn mower belt:

A more complicated but much less likely problem is that the mower belt is worn or broken. This can cause your engine to work harder than normal, causing the crankshaft to bend slightly. If that's the case, you'll need to replace the blades and belts before checking for bent crankshafts.

4. Defective ignition module:

If your mower has an electronic ignition module, the part may have overheated and seized. This will provide sufficient resistance to crankshaft bending over time.

5. Bad spark plug:

A bad or worn spark plug can cause your engine to run erratically. A poorly running engine puts more stress on the crankshaft, which can cause damage.

6. Bad starting magnet:

If your lawn mower has an electric starter, you may have a bad starter solenoid that isn't generating enough current to crank the engine quickly. First, try disconnecting the spark plug and using it to manually start the machine. If this attempt fails, it may be necessary to service the mower or replace the solenoid valve.

7. Bad fuel filters:

Dirty fuel filters can result in less energy passing from the carburetor to the crankshaft. This can overload the engine, which can also lead to bent crankshafts.

8. Defective carburetor:

If the above options don't fix your crankshaft, you may have a carburetor problem. This requires a complete disassembly and cleaning of the carburetor to ensure there is no debris or debris in the fuel lines.

9. Defective muffler:

A faulty muffler can also lead to bent crankshafts. The heat from the engine causes the metal in the mower to expand, which, if not able to escape through the exhaust, puts a lot of pressure on certain areas of the engine.

10. Other mechanical problems:

Sometimes bent crankshafts are also caused by problems with other mechanical parts of the engine, including the gears that transfer power from the flywheel to the blade.

Procedure: How to tell if your lawnmower crankshaft is bent

Method 1: Insert a screwdriver

Insert a screwdriver into the spark plug hole and use it to manually turn the lawn mower. If you feel unusual resistance, then the crankshaft is bending under the load.

Method 2: Withdraw slowly

Disconnect the spark plug wire and insert a screwdriver into the spark plug hole. Place one end of a sturdy metal ruler against the screwdriver, place your hand over it and slowly pull back to feel unusual tension in the crankshaft. Unusual resistance is also an indication that the crankshaft is bent.

Method 3: Check the cutter blade

While the mower is still on the ground and running, check the mower blade to see if it wobbles back and forth. If you notice unusual movements of yourlawn mower blade, may indicate a bent crankshaft. This is a good way to determine if your lawnmower crankshaft is bent.

Method 4: Check for unusual resistance

Be sure to check the blade if you experience problems with your lawn mower such as: B. Unusual resistance when trying to start or a high pitched knocking sound. A bent crankshaft can cause this.

Method 5: Remove the spark plug from the cutter

Remove the spark plug from the cutter, insert a screwdriver into the tip and use it to manually turn the cutter. If you feel a strong resistance when starting the mower, this could be due to a bent crankshaft.

Method 6: Take a piece of tape

Remove the lawnmower blades and place them on a workbench so they are in the air. Then place a piece of masking tape on the underside of one of the slides.

Turn the mower upside down and watch as you try to start it. If there is any wobble or noise, it could indicate that the crankshaft is bent and needs to be replaced.

Method 7: Turn off the lawn mower

Turn the mower off and remove the spark plug so you can look inside. Rust or dirt on the crankshaft can be a sign that the crankshaft is bent or broken due to corrosion.

Method 8: Check for Rust or Dirt

If you have an older lawnmower, check the lawnmower for rust or debris. This could be a sign that your lawn mower is using more energy and needs more and more power to turn.

Method 9: Put on safety glasses

take it offmower air filterCover them and wear safety glasses to get a good look at the blades inside. Make sure there is no dirt trapped between the edges, which could indicate a bent crankshaft.

Method 10: Ask your neighbor

Ask your neighbor if he uses the same type of lawn mower, and ask if he has had similar problems with his lawn mower. This gives you an idea of ​​whether it is normal to share with your lawn mower model.

Method 11: Check for Unusual Noises Coming from the Engine

If you own a lawn mower, pay attention to the engine for unusual noises during operation and check that the crankshaft is free of rust or dirt.

This indicates that your crankshaft may be bent and needs immediate attention. If you have a lawnmower, check the blade for signs of rust or dirt while looking for signs of unusual drag when trying to turn it.

Method 12: Look for signs of damage

Examine the clipper again and look for signs of damage such as cracks, dents, or bent blades. This could be another indication that your lawnmower crankshaft is bent.

Method 13: Watch the oil level

Check the oil level in your lawnmower and make sure it's not too low. Running out of oil in your mower can cause further damage to the crankshaft over time. This indicates that your crankshaft may be bent and needs immediate attention.

8 symptoms of a bent lawnmower crankshaft:

Here are eight symptoms you can use to tell if your lawnmower crankshaft is bent or not. Look closely at these symptoms and see if you are having crankshaft problems.

1. Engine makes a loud noise while mower is in use

2. Engine vibrates excessively during operation

3. Engine shakes or shakes excessively during operation

4. Mower blades wobble or make intermittent contact with the ground during use

5. Mower deck rocks or vibrates excessively during operation

6. Engine stalls or has trouble starting while lawnmower is running

7. Cutter blades spin slower than normal during use

8. Clutch engaging noise is erratic while mower is operating

How to fix a bent lawnmower crankshaft?

Now you have learned how to determine whether the lawnmower crankshaft is bent or not. Here are some steps to try to repair your lawn mower crankshaft.

Step 1: Make sure the lawn mower is off

First, make sure the mower has not been started or has been off for at least 24 hours.

Step 2: Remove the air filter

Then remove the air filter and locate the flywheel. The flywheel is usually located just below the torch. This is a small metal or plastic circle under the fan.Tube on most lawn mowers🇧🇷 The handwheel has a switch to allow the mower blade to turn when you pull the starter rope.

Step 3: Push the key in with a screwdriver

With a small screwdriver, try to slide this key off the steering wheel. Do not use pliers, as they can get stuck inside the engine.

Step 4: Check the flywheel

Inspect the flywheel for kinks, grooves or cracks. If the steering wheel is bent or has deep scratches, you can replace it with a new one. You only need to get a new steering wheel if you have significant damage.

Step 5: Rotate the flywheel counterclockwise

The presence of bent metal can indicate a bent crankshaft. To check this, use your fingers to turn the flywheel counterclockwise to see the resistance in the crankshaft.

Step 6: Remove flywheel and starter cable

To correct a curvelawnmowercrankshaft, it may need to be replaced completely. This can be tricky as you will need to remove the flywheel and starter rope to get to the crankshaft. If this is not possible, you can replace the steering wheel with a new one.

Step 7: flush with the side of the flywheel

To do this, insert the key back into the lawn mower's steering wheel. Slide it so it is flush against the side of the steering wheel and tighten.

Step 8: Make sure you line up the two ends

Reinstall the starter rope by sliding the metal ring back and sliding it to the end of its guide. Be sure to align both ends so they match perfectly. Then snap them together.

Step 9: Disconnect the starter cable again

Remove the starter rope again by pulling it out of its guide. Then slide it back so it's right after where you removed it. Snap this end into place by pressing down on both sides until you hear a click.

Step 10: Put the metal ring back in place

Place the metal ring back on the steering wheel and start the lawn mower. Repeat these steps if it doesn't start and make sure everything is connected correctly.

Precautions and Safety Measures:

1. Be sure to disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the lawn mower.

2. Do not attempt to disassemble, modify or repair any gas engine without proper knowledge and training.

3. Do not drop metal parts into grass clippings and dirt; rust and/or scratch the internal parts of the lawnmower.

4. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes/hands from metal shavings or particles generated during the repair process.

5. Never smoke while operating a lawnmower; contains highly flammable gas (gasoline).

6. Work outdoors, preferably in an open shed or garage, to prevent harmful fumes from spreading through the house.

7. Keep children and pets away from the repair area to prevent them from being injured by sharp metal edges or flying chips when working on the lawn mower.

8. Do not operate a gas powered lawn mower in an enclosed space; this can cause suffocation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Is it good to fix a bent crankshaft yourself?

The first thing to consider when deciding whether it's a good idea to repair a bent crankshaft yourself is whether you have the ability to do so. For example, if the engine has been submerged in water for a long time, it is not possible to repair it even with the help of an experienced mechanic.

Usually, if the engine doesn't make strange noises, there are warning signs before it fails. Follow the steps above to determine if your lawnmower crankshaft is bent. If you find that the engine looks good before it stalls, you probably can't fix it yourself.

common questions

Can you use a lawnmower with a bent crankshaft?

Yes, you can use a lawnmower with a bent crankshaft. However, it is important to ensure that the engine is in good condition and that the blades are sharp. If the engine is not in good condition, it may not be able to handle the increased torque and may break down. Also, if the blades are not sharp enough, they can damage the engine.

What causes a crankshaft to bend?

A crankshaft can bend if not properly lubricated. The main cause of crankshaft deflection is a lack of oil in the crankcase. This can be caused by many factors including dirty oil filters, worn oil seals and low oil level.

If you notice that your engine is making strange noises or your crankshaft seems to wobble, it's important to have it checked by a mechanic. A poorly lubricated crankshaft can seriously damage the engine and even require replacement.

Can a bent cutter shaft be fixed?

Yes, you can fix a bent mower shaft. If the shaft is bent enough, it may not be able to turn the blades and will need to be replaced. There are a few things you can do to try and fix the axle:

1. Check engine for foreign objects or sand. If so, remove it with a vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner.

2. Replace belt if it is broken or worn.

3. Try to tighten all engine bolts with a wrench.

What Causes a Bent Crankshaft on a Lawn Mower?

A bent crankshaft is a common problem with lawn mowers. It is caused by improper maintenance or wear and tear.

One of the main reasons a crankshaft bends is improper maintenance. This could include forgetting to change the oil and filter regularly, improperly adjusting the carburetor or throttle valve, or overloading the engine.

Wear and tear can also cause a bent crankshaft. This includes using the mower when it is wet, using the wrong type of grass, or pushing the mower too hard.

Conclusion:

This article provides information on how to determine if a lawnmower crankshaft is bent. It shows what a bent crankshaft looks like and gives tips on how to tell if it needs repair or not.

We hope this article helped you learn more about lawnmower crankshafts and how to identify bent shafts. If you need help with your lawn mower, please contact us.