(ET) Deck motors, etc.

[Larry Elie <lelie ford com>]

Over the years, I have picked up some 'scrap' parts, bad decks, etc.  I 
have noticed that 
all the belly deck parts (E-12S) have the same basic 4.5" diameter motor 
as many of the 
front mount decks.  The difference is the temperature shut-off on the side 
instead of the top, 
and the flange higher on the motor, both to gain vertical clearance.  
Since the flange is 
the same, one can mount the motor on a front deck (I have) and everything 
works... sort of.  
Because the flange is higher on the motor, the blade ends up roughly 3/4" 
lower than the 
other blades.

Does anyone know how the flange is mounted on the shell?  The service 
manual doesn't 
say, but I'm guessing it is just a press-fit.  If so, I can remove the 
motor and move the 
flange.  However, if it is welded somewhere (and I can't see any trace of 
that), I'll probably 
just break the shell or the flange.  I replaced the motor because of a 
cracked flange 
(the deck vibrates so loud with a crack that you might as well have a gas 
tractor) so I 
don't want to force one of these things.  Does anyone know how that flange 
is mounted?

Secondary question.  That old deck had good blades, but the blades have a 
'dip' in them 
about 3" from the tip.  My original blades are flat.  What are the 
advantages/disadvantages 
of these two types of blades?  Was the dip just for clearance on the belly 
mount?  Which 
cuts better?

Larry Elie