I took the blade off and inspected it and found it was not bent at all.
The blade was actually hitting the side of the deck not underneath but only when I tilted the mower.
I took the blade to my bench grinder and took off about 1/8" on both sides and carefully balanced the blade.
I also saw that on the blade adapter which normally has 2 blade locating nubs, had none. Apparently they sheared off sometime before I got the mower.
I drilled and tapped 2 holes and threaded 2 bolts in to act as locating pins.
All seems good now.
That bodge is unbleievely dnagerious.
Should the blade strike something hard and the break away pins not shear the blade will bend and the machine will lurch violently. usually over your foot.
Either the blade carrier is bent, the spindle is bent the deck is bent or the mower is mounted incorrectly in the deck.
I very strongly suggest pulling the spark plug out and spinning the blade checking that the shaft is not bent .
If shaft is strail then replace the blade mount.
If the shaft is bent, some mower shops hafe a tool to straiten it but , once bent the shaft is compromised and likely to bend or break almost without warning.
Your mower, you foot your family your decision.
