I know peck said he didn't have the shafts anymore. I was asking what he said about running it? Did he just want you to buy a new LU? Did he say it's probably fine?
Lots of places will turn down something over the phone, especially something they don't deal with everyday. If you really want it done, pull the shaft and go visit a few shops. You'll find a guy that enjoys a curveball every now and then and is willing to help you out, he'll probably be cheaper than the shops trying to run you off too.
I have a local guy here I've brought some random stuff to and he always helps me out and doesn't charge much. His bread and butter is harley's though, and the few people I've given his number to, he told them "we work on harley's" and had no interest in helping them with their lawnmower engines.
He's done head work, valve work, cylinder work, even welded up a block for me, but wouldn't do a valve job for a buddy that called him. Don't know why he's always helped me and doesn't want to help anyone else, other than I bring him the stuff so he can see it's not really that big of a deal. He actually seems to enjoy doing something different, which doesn't make any sense if you knew what he was telling other people... Anyway, being friendly, not in a huge hurry, and going in person so you can show them what you want done and let them hold the part seems to help. At least in my experience.
