Red Epoxy On Carb Screws

Bitmess

Seaman
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
63
I am rebuilding carbs on a 1975 Mercury 500 50hp Serial # starts with 38?????
There are two screws with red epoxy on the heads. From what I can figure one is the main nozzle and the other is the idle tube.
Should I remove these screws? I read someplace that I shouldn't but I would like to confirm this. My manual really doesn't say either way.
Thank You,
Bitmess
 

cr2k

Captain
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
3,730
Re: Red Epoxy On Carb Screws

You can remove them. In many cases they are left. If your carb is really junkie inside I would. Apply a slight amount of heat may help. The substance is not epoxy it is called Gassyoila or something like that;it is for that purpose, to thread lock and airtight seal the ftg. Locktite will work in a pinch but the Gassyoila is gas and oil proof.
 

saumon

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Messages
1,452
Re: Red Epoxy On Carb Screws

Not really!

That's their way of saying "don't touch". It surely was doable, but not advisable.
 

Laddies

Banned
Joined
Sep 10, 2004
Messages
12,218
Re: Red Epoxy On Carb Screws

To properly clean those carbs the idle tube and high speed nozzle must be removed and blown out. On the new 3&4 cyl. engines there is a screw that should not be removed for service in the field.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,106
Re: Red Epoxy On Carb Screws

Clean up the carb, and reinstall the plugs. I rubbed a bit of silicone over the plugs to seal them.
 
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