[27grains]

I have so much crank play the flywheel is hitting the engine, I was thinking of adding the thrust bearing and washer. The picture looks to me that the washer is against the crank & the thrust bearing is riding on the lower crank baring. I would have though the thrust bearing would need a machined surface to spin on. My Lawn-Boy 1994 Gold Series Model 10515 Serial 4905787 never had the thrust washer & bearing.
On my bench with case open I can slide the crankshaft almost 1/4" then the flywheel hits. No internal wear on the crank case.
What is worn to allow that much movement?

I haven't removed the piston & crank to see, I just lifted up the crank to replace the crank bearings and seals, it was then I discovered the flywheel hitting. (I should have checked first). I was given this mower in not running condition. Please advise. Thank You

 

[Lawnboy77]

The crankcase inside where the crank throw rubs is where the wear takes place. The steel crank bores down on the soft aluminum crankcase. The thrust bearing upgrade is a good idea if the mower has quite a bit of life left over. You may need to have the inside of the crankcase machined to accept that bearing and washer.
Edit: from memory only here, but if I remember correctly, it’s actually the crankcase cover that receives the wear.

 

[Yard Nazi]

I think there was someone on here who installed the thrust washer only as there wasn't a lot of wear. Bill