Crankshaft
How does a Crankshaft work in a small engine? The crankshaft attaches to a piston by a connecting rod. During each cycle, the crankshaft rotates to push the piston up in the cylinder. Crankshafts rarely break, but if they do, it can cause serious engine damage. If you're doing an engine overhaul, don't forget to replace the crankshaft.
For preventative maintenance, many engine manufacturers recommend replacing the crankshaft and the camshaft at the same time. When you're repairing your small engine, Jack’s has all the parts you need. We have replacement crankshafts from the major manufacturers, including Briggs and Stratton, Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler, and Tecumseh. Match your part or model number below. We also carry replacement camshafts.
Crankshaft
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Crankshaft
Lawn mower blades can move at a speed of 200+ mph while rotating at 51+ revolutions per second. When a blade moving at that speed comes in contact with an immovable object, such as a rock, stump, sprinkler, or curb, the impact forces it to stop suddenly. The energy is dispersed through the blades and up to the crankshaft. This puts pressure on the area between the bottom of the engine and the lower end of the crankshaft, forcing it to bend.
Crankshafts are usually designed to be able to withstand the impact without breaking or bending, however, depending on the blade speed and force of the impact, damage will occur. It is suggested that you mark any immovable object in the lawn and be careful around curbs, stumps, and wall edges. It is also recommended to push the mower around these objects instead of using a drive control setting.