(ET) Mower blades etc

[Bfayette aol com]

Hey, what's the deal with the fiber washers?  I had the blades spin off 
when 
I used them,so I took them out,  but I guess that's not such a good idea, 
either. Should I put them back in and locktite the bolt that hold the 
blade?

I changed to an MTD blade with 3/8" hole.  The old blades were shot and 
the 
threads in the mower motors were stripped out. I bored out and rethreaded 
the 
motors for that size.  Seems to work good, and new blades are about $4.50 
each at Agri-supply.  

Also, what about that collar that goes around the motor shaft and holds 
that 
washer that I guess is supposed to work like a flange and support the 
blade?  
I replaced the bearings on one motor, and when I went to put it back 
together, that flange didn't look like it was worth much.  The washer was 
just peened into place, so I left it out.  I did replace the rubber 
washer, 
which make sense to have.  


Brad Fayette

"The geeks shall inherit the earth."