Honda Izy mower

[lostinthelight]

You could check the main bearings by catching hold of the blade and flywheel and rocking it to see if there is any play.


To check you will need to release the OPC brake by strapping the deadman lever to to handle, but first remove the plug lead to avoid any mishaps .
Also, have you checked to blade balance.

litl

 

[laferret]

So far as I can tell the deck is in good condition - only one small patch of corrosion far away from the mounting points of the engine.
I'm yet to check for play in the blade end but the flywheel side seemed good. I usually check the balance after sharpening the blade.
Thanks for all your replies

 

[laferret]

Update.
I checked for play on the drive side with the blade still mounted. There is movement and it feels like more than it should be. I then fired it up with the intention of mowing the grass and it sounds dreadful all the time now. Its vibrating itself to pieces so I think its terminal. I looked at parts prices and it would be almost as cheap to replace with a decent condition used unit.

 

[Burnerman]

From what you say here, it would seem that the lower main bearing is well worn - but I'm surprised there isn't an oil leak too.
I'm hazarding a guess here but if the vibration is as bad as that then either the blade is seriously bent and out of balance - or the crankshaft itself is bent.
Believe it or not this isn't too unusual - and stems from clouting concrete somewhere down the line.
Usually there's a few engines available on ebay which come from machines with knackered decks.
John

 

[lostinthelight]

Quick test for bent blade is to measure from deck skirt to cutting edge of blade, turn blade 180° and measure again.
litl