Westinghouse Main Breaker Issues (1993)

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angeldawn4u

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Location
NC
Hi,
I am so glad to have found this site. I really need some help.

Rundown of what happened:
Lights flickered in one section of home only
Could tell there was connection issue because when opening the inside panel box, the lights would come on full power again, then out, then bright, then low, then nothing.
After messing, detected that when messing with a certain breaker, the same would happen.
After messing, detected that when pushing in on the main breaker, the same would happen as well.
Shut off main outside.
Shut off main inside.
Seen damage at main.
Tried to take the main out, loosened the bolts at the bottom, still couldn't remove the wide breaker.
Called Electrician. Sent pics, said he would have to hunt the part and maybe be able to find it and have it ordered. Will be from 100 to 200 for the part.
This happened on a Friday, so here we are stuck on a weekend.
Food thawing, getting dark.
Tightened bolts, put panel cover back on.
Turned on power.
We have shut off ALL the breakers not needed.
We have shut off the breaker that runs the part where the lights were dimming, etc.
We have shut off ALL 220 breakers.

I have read that those bolts are actually to set torque by. Is this correct? and if so, how do I set them correctly? Mine is supposed to be 45 lb in lug torque (whatever that means)
I am confused as to what TYPE of breaker this is.
Looks like 4 small breakers or 2 - 2 pole breakers. However, it seems they're all connected by a long SINGLE off/on switch.
I am unemployed and do not have any extra money.
I can change regular breakers, but never messed with anything like this.
Why wouldn't the breaker come out? Is it bolted and I have to take screws TOTALLY out?
How do I check the Bus? What if I take the breaker out and the bus is damaged or the main breaks apart in my hands or something. I would be without total power.
What should I do?

I have attached images.
Showing damage
showing door panel
Circle indicates the breaker that was trigger happy (not the main)
Main
Bottom of Main

What's weird to me...The breaker that is iffy has my hot water heater, furnace and LOADS of outlets and lights on that ONE breaker. At least that's what turns off when we turn that breaker off.
From what I have researched...I think I have a bad leg on my main breaker.
The power is on as we speak and it scares me.
We check the box often for heat and its remained cool.
My lights that I do have on dim when I run a toaster or coffee maker or something.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,
Angel
 

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