Understanding Parts on a 42" Deck

[Porkskin 20]

Hello all - Working on my 312-A with 42" deck, 21-12KE01, 1986. In previous posts I mentioned I was not able to make out the model number, but with the help of DIY digital forensic analysis (Yeah, real technical stuff, eh?) I got it figured out. But to the point, I am wondering how far down I will be able to strip the deck with the object being to stop the rust and get a durable finish on it. In particular, after reviewing the parts explosions I can't tell if I will be able to remove the baffles from the main part of the deck or if they are welded. If anyone has some insight on this I would most appreciate your comments.

[Skwerl58 633]

I have a 1987 42" deck and the baffles are welded. You can strip it down, remove the debris and rust then either paint it or lube it. I used old spray cans of paint on mine a couple of years ago and clean it at least twice during mowing season and spray a lube on it and let it sit in the sun to heat it up. Amazing what a lube like spray chain lube and wd 40 will do to preserve the bottom of the deck.

[Porkskin 20]

Wow, I use lubes and penetrants all the time for the regular stuff. Sounds like a great way to go and seems like it may reduce the amount of effort needed to prolong the life of the deck. Thanks for your comment Skwerl58.

 

[oliver2-44 8,837]

I sand blasted the deck 42" deck on the 312-8 I redid for my son.  Then painted it with 2 coats of POR15.  That was 5 years and it has held up great.  Others have used POR15 and said it was gone in a year or two.  My sons yard has a good covering of carpet grass with only a few thin spots, and no open dirt areas.  I wonder if the difference is  the amount of exposed dirt your lawn has that can "sand blast the bottom while mowing.

[Jeff-C175 7,195]

15 minutes ago, oliver2-44 said:

Then painted it with 2 coats of POR15

 

The POR 15 lasts me about 3-4 years on average.  I've got a fair amount of sparse and sandy area.

 

I've found that using the cleaner/degreaser and the metal prep goes a long way to making the top coat last longer.  The small kit is enough to do the deck bottom.

 

https://www.amazon.com/POR-15-40909-Gloss-Black-Stop/dp/B077J66P27/ref=asc_df_B077J66P27/?

 

If you top coat the POR you will get longer refresh times.  

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MBFOHEW/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_mrai_1_dp

Edited April 28, 2021 by Jeff-C175

[peter lena 8,038]

@Porkskin  been doing this for years , and other lubrication detailing , especially  hi temp grease in the spindles , also duplicate the oil spray to rustproof my cars , just me , pete