Its no secret that regular maintenance of your lawn mower is essential for keeping it running smoothly.
But how do you know if your lawn mowers crankshaft is bent? In this guide, well cover the signs, steps, and causes of a bent crankshaft so you can determine the health of your lawn mower and keep it running like new.
Short Answer
If you suspect that the lawn mower crankshaft is bent, you can check by removing the engine shroud and inspecting the crankshaft for any signs of damage or malformation.
You can also check for any signs of vibration or difficulty in starting the engine, as these can be indications of a bent crankshaft.
Additionally, you can use a straight edge to check for any bends or warps in the crankshaft.
If any of these signs are present, it is likely that the crankshaft is bent and needs to be replaced.
Overview of What a Bent Crankshaft is
The crankshaft is an essential component of a lawn mower engine and is responsible for converting rotational energy into linear motion.
It is made up of a series of rods connected to a central shaft.
When these rods are in alignment, the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
However, if the crankshaft is bent, the engine will run inefficiently, and in some cases, not at all.
A bent crankshaft will create an imbalance in the engine, which can reduce its performance and even cause it to break down.
Fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can take to determine whether or not your lawn mowers crankshaft is bent.
The most common cause of a bent crankshaft is engine overheating.
This can occur when the engine is running for too long or when it is exposed to extreme temperatures.
If your lawn mower has been running for a long time or has recently been exposed to extreme temperatures, it is important to check the crankshaft for signs of bending.
Another cause of a bent crankshaft is impact damage.
If your lawn mower has recently been dropped or hit, the crankshaft may have been bent.
In some cases, the crankshaft may have been bent even if you didnt notice any external damage to the mower.
It is important to check the crankshaft for signs of bending if your mower has been exposed to any type of impact.
Finally, it is also possible for a lawn mowers crankshaft to become bent due to improper maintenance or repair.
If you have recently performed maintenance or repairs on your lawn mower, it is important to check the crankshaft for signs of bending.
Fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can take to determine whether or not your lawn mowers crankshaft is bent.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to tell if your lawn mowers crankshaft is bent and provide a few tips on how to prevent it from becoming bent in the future.
Signs that the Crankshaft May be Bent
The crankshaft is a crucial component of any lawn mower and its failure can lead to serious damage.
If you suspect that your mowers crankshaft may be bent, there are a few tell-tale signs you should look out for.
First, you should check for any visible damage to the crankshaft itself.
If it has any signs of bending, warping, or cracks, it may be bent and in need of replacement.
Additionally, you can check the alignment of the crankshaft relative to the engine block.
If it is not running parallel to the engine block, it is likely that the crankshaft is bent.
You can also measure the length of the crankshaft with a ruler or tape measure to determine if it is the same on both sides.
If the length of one side is significantly different from the other, it is likely that the crankshaft is bent and will need to be replaced.
Finally, if the mower is not running correctly and is making odd noises, it may be a sign that the crankshaft is bent and needs to be replaced.
In this case, it is best to take the mower to a professional for further inspection.
By checking for these tell-tale signs, you can easily determine if your mowers crankshaft is bent and take the necessary steps to rectify the issue.
Steps to Check for Visible Damage
When it comes to checking for a bent crankshaft on a lawn mower, one of the first steps is to remove the spark plug and lay the mower on its side.
This will allow you to inspect the crankshaft for any visible damage.
When examining the crankshaft, make sure to look for any warping, cracks, or deformities.
If you suspect that the crankshaft may be bent, you can then measure the length of the crankshaft with a ruler or tape measure.
If it is not the same length on both sides, it is likely bent.
Another way to check for a bent crankshaft is to use a straight edge to measure the alignment of the crankshaft relative to the engine block.
If the crankshaft is not running parallel to the engine block, it is likely bent and will need to be replaced.
It is also important to note that if the crankshaft is bent, it can cause damage to other parts of the mower including the piston and connecting rods.
Therefore, it is important to check for a bent crankshaft as soon as you suspect there may be an issue.
How to Measure the Length of the Crankshaft
One of the best ways to check if your lawn mowers crankshaft is bent is to measure its length.
To do this, first remove the spark plug and lay the mower on its side so that you can inspect the crankshaft for any visible damage.
Once you have done this, you can use a ruler or a tape measure to measure the length of the crankshaft.
Make sure to take two measurements one from each side of the crankshaft and compare the results.
If the lengths are not the same, it is likely that the crankshaft is bent and will need to be replaced.
It is also important to make sure that the crankshaft is running parallel to the engine block.
You can check for alignment with a straight edge, and if it is not running parallel to the engine block, then it is likely bent and will need to be replaced.
Checking for Alignment with a Straight Edge
When it comes to determining if a lawn mower crankshaft is bent, one of the most effective methods is to check for alignment with a straight edge.
This method is simple, but it can be very effective in determining whether or not the crankshaft is bent.
To begin, you will need to place a straight edge along the crankshaft.
It should run parallel to the engine block and should be the same length on both sides.
If it is not the same length, or if it is not parallel to the engine block, then it is likely bent.
Another way to tell if the crankshaft is bent is to measure it with a ruler or a tape measure.
If the length of the crankshaft is not the same on both sides, then it is likely bent.
This is a good way to double-check the alignment with the straight edge to make sure that the crankshaft is not bent.
Finally, you can also inspect the crankshaft visually.
If you notice any dents, scratches, or other damage to the crankshaft, then it is likely bent and may need to be replaced.
By taking the time to check for alignment with a straight edge and measuring the crankshaft, you can easily determine whether or not your lawn mower’s crankshaft is bent and if it needs to be replaced.
This can help ensure that your lawn mower runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
What to Do if the Crankshaft is Bent
If you have determined that your lawn mower’s crankshaft is bent, the next step is to replace it.
Replacing the crankshaft is a fairly involved process, and it’s best to consult your lawn mower’s user manual for specific instructions.
Generally, you will need to remove the spark plug, drain the oil, and then remove the flywheel, connecting rods, and camshaft if present.
After this, you will need to unbolt the crankshaft itself, and install the new one.
It is important to use the correct grade of bolts when bolting the crankshaft back in place.
Once the new crankshaft is installed, the remaining components can then be reassembled and the spark plug and oil refilled.
It is important to note that if any of the components connected to the crankshaft have been damaged due to the bent crankshaft, they may need to be replaced as well.
Also, it is advisable to check the other components of the engine, such as the pistons, for any damage that may have occurred due to the bent crankshaft.
If any of these components need to be replaced, it is best to consult a professional for the repair.
Finally, it is important to remember that a bent crankshaft can be caused by many factors, such as improper maintenance, using the wrong type of fuel, and excessive vibration from the engine.
To avoid this problem in the future, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain your lawn mower, and to use the correct type of fuel as specified in the user manual.
What Causes a Crankshaft to Bend
The majority of crankshaft bend issues are caused by an engine malfunction.
This can be caused by operating the mower at high speeds, running it for too long, or running it with improper maintenance.
Additionally, a bent crankshaft can be caused by the mower being used to cut over-thick or over-long grass, which can put additional strain on the engine.
Finally, the crankshaft can be bent by a loose or damaged crankshaft bearing, which can allow the crankshaft to become misaligned.
All of these issues can cause the crankshaft to become bent, leading to an engine that won’t turn over or runs poorly.
Final Thoughts
The best way to tell if your lawn mower’s crankshaft is bent is to inspect it for visible damage, measure its length, and check for alignment with a straight edge.
If you suspect that your crankshaft is bent, it is important to take the necessary steps to replace it, as bent crankshafts can cause a variety of issues with your lawn mower’s performance.
Regularly checking your lawn mower’s crankshaft, as well as understanding what causes it to bend, can help you keep your lawn mower running in optimal condition.