Honda Lawnmower Flywheel Key Sheared

lawn-mower

My Honda HRR2168VKA (self-propelled walk behind) lawnmower shakes violently when I start it up. I immediately turn it off. Is this a sign that I sheared the flywheel key or bent the crankshaft? Could it be something else? Is a bent crankshaft repairable? How do I tell if the crankshaft is bent?

Best Answer

Have a look underneath. There are several failure modes which could cause strong shaking:

  • A cutting blade is broken, missing, or bent
  • A rock, scrap metal, lead weight, or other miscellany is attached to the blade
  • The crankshaft is bent
  • The crankshaft bearing or housing is cracked

A close look should be able to rule out and identify the problem, the last being the most difficult.

How do I tell if the crankshaft is bent?

Using your hand, turn the blade at least one half rotation and watch to see if its path is level. Be sure the engine cannot start by disconnecting the spark plug and having the throttle at its full stop position.