Help with bent alternator locking thread

[Signal]

I have a crank wheel that the threaded end where the alternator lock nut sits is bent.

The easy fix would be to get another wheel, but this is a 533 crank which are pretty scarce here in NZ and the crank has been rebuilt, welded and runs very true.

It does not need to be 100% as it will be running a lightened non charging rotor just to trigger the ignition.

My initial thought is to leave it and see if it runs ok, but I would like to resolve the problem.

I am open to any ideas on how to straighten it.

 

[Jim]

Try putting a double nut on it and tapping it back straight?
Another option is maybe chuck it in a lathe and turn it down true and rethread it. Have to figure out a way to stop the rods from flailing around though...

 

[Signal]

Thanks Jim, after posting the question I rang my mate he suggested this:
Find the way its bent and mark the shaft.
Protect the thread and clamp it in the lathe chuck.
Gently pull the crank in the direction it needs to go.
I will give this a go with a bit of gentle heat. I put the rotor on and its running true with my eyechrometer so thats encouraging.

 

[Signal]

Well that worked pretty well, not perfect but much better.
When doing this I was reminded of the adage "the enemy of good is perfection"

 

[Jim]

"the enemy of good is perfection"

I'm stealin' that.
Glad it worked for ya.

 

[Signal]

Thanks Jim, I don't know who said it first but in my shed its very true.