Lost Carb bowl screw, what now?

[mitchbuck]

So I was draining the fuel out of my carb bowl when the screw (part #FO13945) that holds the carb bowl fell and disappeared into the engine. I believe that it fell into the gap in front of the block which I believe goes through the motor leg. So two questions:
1) If I drop the lower unit will screw fall out?
2) This part is unavailable according to boat.net, crowlley, and even ebay. Anyone have any idea of where I can find one or is there any kinda of bolt/screw I can substitute for it?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Jiggz]

Try calling or writing to inquire at Jack's small engines dot com. Most of the time those bowl screws are identical. Or you can go to Ace Hardware and ask their sales people if they can help you find or fabricate one. You will need to bring a sample screw for them to work it out.

 

[jerryjerry05]

An air hose with a long extension blow it around the front and see if it moves to the back?
It's always nice if you put in what your working on???
Someone might have an extra laying around??
I've got a bunch of parts but I's be guessing if I said I had a replacement!
No dropping the lower won't help.

 

[mitchbuck]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm working (AGAIN) on my 1990 90hp Force. I'm going to try the air hose trick tonight and see how that goes. Tried a magnet but unfortunately I believe its brass and not magnetic. If not I will check out jacks or mcmaster carr. Any idea what size/thread is on the bolt/screw?

 

[mitchbuck]

Took one of the screws off another carb bowl and went to the hardware store to size it, but I couldn't find an exact match! Seems like a 5/16 x 24 SAE or 8 x 1.25 metric size bolt were the closest but didn't work.....

 

[Frank Acampora]

Contact franzmarine@aol.com He will have one.

 

[pnwboat]

Sent you a PM Mitch.

 

[pnwboat]

You won't find that bolt at any hardware store, or any other supplier that I know of. It's a 7/16 X 32 SAE. Really unusual thread pitch for that diameter.

 

[mitchbuck]

pnwboat - thanks so much for sending me the screw but unfortunately its the wrong size! Turns out the screw is a 5/16 x 32 on my carbs, so I will be sending you back the part.

Frank - Email sent to your contact.

 

[Jiggz]

I was able to google a 5/16-32 die which means as a last resort you can actually make the bolt you need. You can buy a regular 5/16 brass bolt with enough free thread left after cutting its original thread section. Using the correct die you can make your own bolt. Just a suggestion.