Musky, without a crack check its hard to be certain, but it looks like the crack goes through the threads, through the taper and stops about an inch later. The only thing I can think of would be if someone put a tapered punch into the pushrod hole and smacked it a good one.
Bob, I really appreciate that thought! If I don't have a decent spare somewhere, I will just source a new one. You right on the shipping cost, it would probably be 1/5 of a new shaft.
Lee