[Excaliber]

The shafts always break at the oiling hole, the weakest point of course. There is no doubt in my mind the fundamental problem is an improperly installed/adjusted end stand support.

...of course the shaft is steel. Not at all suprising it shows no damage. That same thing would have happened, and will happen, with a brand new "super duty", nitride treated, high dollar shaft if it's not installed correctly. It's just one of the many quirks about FE's that is to often over looked, even by good engine builders.