Originally Posted by moparbarn

If the crankshaft is pressed together, it may have twisted in the crash. The counterweights can rotate on the crankpin/rod journal, a lot easier than you might imagine. Seen it happen just using a piston stop to tighten prop mounts or collets. That sudden stop may have "re-indexed" the crankshaft halves. I always remove the cylinder & use a wood block between the counterweight & the crankcase. Block the counterweight on the same side of the crank pin as what is being tightened. If the timing is mysteriously off after a crash, a twisted crank is the likely suspect, IMO. I have spot welded crank pins to counterweights on my favorite/best running engines to help them remain healthy through the stuff we subject them to.