Repairing Cracked Lawnmower Mount

[Shawn]

I was chopping up a lot of down debris from Hurricane Michael (after removing as must of the larger debris as I could). Still, I must have hit too large of a branch because I cracked the stupid sump where the engine attaches to the deck at the bottom (see pics). Now engine is vibrating excessively since only 2 of 3 mounts are attached.

I've actually cracked it before at the same spot and I replaced the sump, gasket, o-ring, and oil and it lasted me 3 years I think.

The cost to repair is almost as much as the mower is worth and I don't know if it's worth repairing again so I'm wondering if there is a cheaper fix. Would JB Weld work?

Pics
https://ibb.co/dYGVGL
https://ibb.co/cO3XVf

 

[lxskllr]

I'm not really familiar with how a mower goes together, but how about a big washer over the broken section, and bolt the whole thing down? Basically clamp it.

 

[PottedMeat]

jb weld has crap strength for something like that

I'm not really familiar with how a mower goes together, but how about a big washer over the broken section, and bolt the whole thing down? Basically clamp it.

that sounds like it would work.

what do you mean 'cracked'. like there's a fracture from the hole to the edge? or the hole has come off with a big chunk of the sump?

 

[paperfist]

If it’s like the above then I think a washer is going to create more pressure and crack the bolt hole open.

I’d use a sleeve inside the bolt hole so that it sticks just out just above the hole then a washer and nut and bolt to secure it.

 

[pcgeek11]

I guess I should say it.

A lawnmower isn't for chopping up debris from a hurricane.

I would try the washer and clamp method first but the vibration could also be due to the blade or output shaft being damaged.

 

[squirrel dog]

your blade might need replacing also .

 

[C1]

This should be a piece of cake for heli-arc weld and shouldnt cost that much (maybe $30).

 

[Gardener]

I've seen used oil pans on Fleabay for more the common GXV/GCV Honda engines. Good advice to check for a bent driveshaft before proceeding.

I chop up a lot of soft material with my older lawnmower, but it has a blade brake clutch assembly which protects the drive shaft from shock

 

[paperfist]

I hit a rock with mine and the whole thing is toast. Blade, shaft and engine!

 

[Shawn]

jb weld has crap strength for something like that


that sounds like it would work.

what do you mean 'cracked'. like there's a fracture from the hole to the edge? or the hole has come off with a big chunk of the sump?

Here is a pic: https://ibb.co/fiL7oA

I am gonna try some JB Weld + sandwiching it with some big washers as suggested first and see if that holds. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[pcgeek11]

I think the sign something is wrong with the shaft or blade is the vibration you described. Make sure you replace the blade before you run it again.

 

[lxskllr]

Make sure you replace the blade before you run it again.

At least balance it. That'll be cheaper if something else is wrong.

 

[mindless1]

Put a stack of small diameter washers in the void where the broken off piece was, equal to the thickness of the metal it's replacing (or slightly less), then put a couple large washers (or plate metal) on top of that.

I agree with others that hitting something sufficient to do that damage has probably damaged the shaft too, if not more.

Check craigslist, used push mowers aren't very expensive. Some may just need a $3 carb diaphragm or $15 carb rebuild kit.

 

[Bartman39]

I think "Gardener" has the right idea on the excessive vibration... I too think you bent the driveshaft so it would be toast...

"Good advice to check for a bent driveshaft before proceeding."

 

[JCH13]

This should be a piece of cake for heli-arc weld and shouldnt cost that much (maybe $30).

This. I don't think you'd even need to remove the part or disassemble the engine, depending on location. If you try to epoxy it then welding becomes near-impossible to do well later.