Thanks. I'll take a look at that.

No I didn't mention any backer but I did add one...sort of. A short strip of AL. The cracks weren't at the edge where the backer was though. They were just at the very edges of the reed about 1/8" in from the backer. I figure this is where the most flex was going on.

I'll look into the sping steel and see what I get. I FINALLY found a local small engine place that carries Poulan parts that doesn't insist on a part # or model number to help me. The fellow told me to just bring in the parts I need and he'll find something that will work. Some of the people I've been calling are acting like they're doing me a huge favour by even answering the phone. I actually asked one guy why he was making it so hard for me to give him my money. He didn't get it. I'll deal with not having the parts I need for a while longer if it means I won't have to work with a person who does not value my business.

Seriously, who would throw away a $25 sale just because they may have to check a few parts for fit before the sale? It's not like I don't intend to buy from the same place again.

Richard