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I just got this from a guy on craigslist for really cheap. It is in okay condition, with a little rust, but it did need some work. The air filter cover, pull cord handle, and the bail? cable was broken. The spark plug looked almost new. Anyways, I got it home and then looked under it today and noticed that the tip of the blade is bent at nearly 90 degrees. There is also some oil under the engine and it seemed as though someone had jammed a rock into, I think, the governor. Which I guess the jammed governor could explain the bent blade. So I cleaned out the carb and then started it. It started and then smoked, but I didn't run it enough to see if it would go away. It did vibrate quite a bit, but I am just not sure if it is the crankshaft, or if it is only the blade since it is bent so much. I drained the oil and it seemed to have a smell to it, but I didn't notice any metal particles. When I removed the carb, it did look like there may have been some moisture right inside the engine, but the carb had no corrosion. If anyone has any ideas or needs some more information, please post. Thanks

I should add that the top of the crankshaft does not have engine oil on it. It is only wd40.

You are going to need an oil seal for sure. I don't think that the governor is the cause of your problem. More likely your blade met up with a large rock or line stake. I would be checking the flywheel key, and a bent crankshaft. That guy saw you coming, that's why it was so cheap.

What exactly is the oil seal? The guy said that he doesn't work on Honda's, but he works on a lot of mowers, and told me that I can call him with any questions or if I need any parts for anything.So I guess if the crankshaft is bent, or it needs a lot more work, then I will give him a call just to see what he says. It was only $25, so if anything, this can be a learning experience as I have yet to work on a Honda. Thanks.
Oh, and do you think I should change the oil to see if it still leaks or wait till after I replace the oil seal? Thanks

I just looked this up http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/lmower/msg1013363120792.html . I don't know if this could be my problem.

And just to make it clear, the dark area on the crankshaft itself is not engine oil, it is wd40.

No, that is not your problem, the web site you added to your last post. Here's what I want you to do. Remove the spark plug, remove the blade. With the unit tipped on it's side (carb up) have someone slow pull the starter rope while you watch the end on the crankshaft. If you see it wobble you will know it's bent. The oil seal is pictured in your third photo. It is between the crankshaft and crankcase cover, all covered with oil. Don't waste any oil until you figure out what is wrong.

Okay thanks. Once I can get the blade off, I'll do that. I've tried heat and a few taps but it is still stuck. I'll try again tomorrow and tell you what I see. How difficult is it to replace the seal?

The blade is still stuck, but from what I can see with it on, it is bent. I can see the blade bolt going in a slight oval shape. I am going to call the guy, maybe tomorrow, just to see what he says, but I'm a bit stuck now.

If the crankshaft is bent, take it back. If its just a bent blade, replace it, and if that's not OIL and only WD40 has you say, that's good news also.

It's not oil on the crankshaft, but there was so much everywhere else that it is kind of weird that their wasn't any oil on it. I'll call him tomorrow and see what he says, though. I think I'll also check to see if any of my local lawn mower shops have one of those straightening tools, but I kind of doubt it.

I wouldn't bother trying to straighten the crankshaft. Do some research with the model number of the mower and serial number of the engine. If you're looking for an engine rebuild experience, the GCV160 is simple to work on, and the crankshaft might only set you back about $25.00 to 30.00.

I did one not long ago if you want to look at what I did.

http://www.mylawnmowerforum.com/forum/5-small-engine-repair-discussion/4194-honda-gcv160a.html

Thanks. Would you know about how many hours it took you to tear apart and rebuild the engine? Also, now I am just wondering if it is worth it. Especially since someone had jammed a rock in the governor to make it run full throttle. So I don't know.

Gosh, I didn't really time myself because I sort of worked on it off and on when I had the chance. There were big gaps in time spent while waiting for parts and such. Besides the crankshaft, there was a general going over, cleaning of the carb, replacing of other gaskets and seals too. If you had everything at hand, I would think it would be something you could start to take apart in the morning and have it back together and running later that afternoon.