1982 Evinrude 60 HP carburetor float bowl mount screws loosening

[sfmeyer]

Thanks in advance for any help.

My 1982 60HP evinrude started bogging down this weekend at WOT.

After taking off the engine cover with the outboard running at idle, I noticed a large volume of gas leaking from the bottom of the carburetor. It turns out, 1 of the 4 screws that mounts to the float bowl at the bottom of the carb was missing. I found it in a small puddle of gas in the engine compartment, and screwed it in to the best of my ability while out on the water.

The outboard fired right up and ran perfect for 30 seconds, where it bogged out again. I checked the screw and it loosened itself significantly. I tightened the screw and repeated the process a couple times before giving up any chance at getting the boat back to the ramp at high speeds. I was able to run the boat at 1/4 throttle and get home. Now, I am looking for any advice on how to lock in this screw and keep it from loosening in the future.

The diagram attached has the screw highlighted that is giving me the issue.
I really appreciate anyone's advice. My current plan is to order a replacement screw and thread it in but it does not appear that the screw is stripped.
Thanks.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 60 HP carburetor float bowl mount screws loosening

Lucky you could get back in to shore. Ive that exact same motor, its quite a lot of screws to undo to get that carb off
You could try tapping it to be a wider width.
I do things cheap and would probably use a pointed screw and just dig into the carb myself, but doing a tap would be much better

 

[sfmeyer]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 60 HP carburetor float bowl mount screws loosening

Lucky you could get back in to shore. Ive that exact same motor, its quite a lot of screws to undo to get that carb off
You could try tapping it to be a wider width.
I do things cheap and would probably use a pointed screw and just dig into the carb myself, but doing a tap would be much better

Yea, getting the screw back into the bottom of the carb and the boat back to the ramp wasn't easy, especially in white caps!


I have a fishing partner who is recommending a helicoil tap, which seems to be in line with what you suggest.. Thank you very much for that! I'm going to rebuild the carb since I'll have it off and likely tap to wider width.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 60 HP carburetor float bowl mount screws loosening

Are the threads stripped in the upper carb housing ?? If they're are a helicoil would be the best bet.

 

[sfmeyer]

Re: 1982 Evinrude 60 HP carburetor float bowl mount screws loosening

Are the threads stripped in the upper carb housing ?? If they're are a helicoil would be the best bet.

Yes, I'm not certain but it appears that it must be. Helicoil seems to be the answer. Thank you for your response.