I have seen posts on this site that don't recommend straightening a bent crankshaft. I would personally look into a short block. It consists of the block, crank, piston and rings, camshaft. You reuse your carb, muffler and head. Have your model numbers ready and there are various sites on the net that sell the short blocks. This way you will have a practically new mower for far less $.

Hello, Thanks for the reply .... its for a pusher (not self propelled). Yes I think I may have messed up with the dimensions. According to the user manual the GCV160 model I have is "GCV160-LAOS3A" .... I checked on the Honda website and found an "S3" model with a nice diagram of the specs: http://engines.honda.com/models/model-detail/gcv160 Click on Specs and then the "S3 PTO Shaft" .... seems the shaft diameter is 25 (0.98) and length looks like 80.2 (3.16) - 85.5 (3.37) (there is a discrepancy due to something called the "engine mounting face" ... so not sure which of those is true shaft length). Anyhow the diagram is probably easy to read to someone who knows how to read it (which I do not).

First, let me say that I have no idea whether a shaft is weakened from straightening. I'm sure some input from a true metal expert would put this subject to bed one way or the other. I have an operation that processes lawn mowers much as a car salvage yard works. We wake the mowers up if they look like they may run and part them down to nothing if they will not run. I could safely say that I process hundreds of small engines every year. These days I check the mowers for bent cranks just after I check compression because so many come in with cranks that are bent. The cranks seem to be softer now than they used to be because the number of bent cranks has increased steadily over the last 36 years that I have been in this. I have never had a problem with a crank that I have straightened. There have been only a few mowers that come in with the crank broken off. There are many more engines that have a broken blade adapter and it seems to me that the blade would be just as dangerous if it came off that way. I have never heard of anyone hurt from a blade that came off a mower. I also heed the warnings that float around concerning bent cranks because I sell used mowers to the public. I do wish we could get some input from whoever would know the true facts about this bent crank subject and is there a safe way to straighten a crank. I also wonder if the metal is softer for safety or because everything is not built to the standards that it used to be. Mike

Look at Tulsa Small Engine Warehouse for a replacement engine. Have the model and series number on hand and give them a call (toll free) and odds are they have or can get a engine for you. Much much better selection of motors than Northern has. I would not worry if it had more horsepower, as long as it had the proper sized crank end and if necessary a drilled and tapped crankcase side for mounting chipper housing etc to it, and a PTO end running in a ball bearing owuld be good as well.....just do not go below the horsepower that is listed on the chipper...and do not exceed rpms listed for blown motor.