Hi Byomarimba
I was just using a 3043YE (split shaft) this afternoon. Have got another one in the shed (clutchless curved shaft originally bought for parts but started first go).
2 things that these machines have had:-
1 - check how hard the head is to turn without the drive end being attached to the engine - a issue I had was that it was very hard to turn, it would seem to go fine, then stop when it hit hard grass. I am not sure what the exact problem was, but taking the bump head off and giving the end a moderate tap on something wood (so you dont bend the end) pushed the end back in approx 3 mm, and it went fine after that. maybe someone had got it jammed in bushes and pulled it enough to pull the bearing out.
2 - at the motor end of the shaft, check the plastic outer that holds the flexible shaft in the middle is completely pushed down. It shouldn't be level with the metal external shaft, but a good inch down in. otherwise, the flexxible shaft wont slot in at the end
But I must agree with AVB - completely uneconomical fix if its rounded - they are plentiful at tip shops though.
