Stripped idle cam bolt

[nola mike]

Got the boat fired up today for the first time. Started great. Couldn't keep it running, looked at the carb and saw the idle cam lying on the carb. The screw was nowhere to be found. I've had a problem with it in the past--was *almost* but not quite completely stripped . So now what's the best way to repair this? would be nice to just tap out the hole (what size is it?) and use a bigger screw, but don't know if that would work since it's one of those shoulder screws. I'm thinking I can use a standard screw there and put a sleeve on there if it's too small at the shoulder. I can't find that screw as a part for sale either....

 

[Weathersbytaylor]

I can’t tell from your post if the threads are actually ruined in the carb or if the screw just backed out and fell into the great beyond. If the threads are damaged on the carb, you will have to drill and tap a new hole. The cool thing here is you can tap it to whatever size you can find a bolt for that’s reasonably close. A shoulder could easily be made from a piece of plastic tube. If the bolt has simply backed out, and you simply need a new one, I did a search for “Mercarb idle cam screw” and was able to find a diagram with it listed for sale for $3. Part number 9049. IBoats lists this item too but doesn’t have a picture so you would have to call to be sure.

 

[nola mike]

Yeah, stripped which led to falling out and presumably now home in my bilge, which is the final resting place of innumerable treasures that were once attached to my engine. Was just seeing if there were any consequences to tapping a larger hole that I wasnt thinking of.

 

[Weathersbytaylor]

If you have a set of dial calipers measure the diameter of the hole and I can recommend a new size for it. There should be enough room in the housing to go up a size width wise as long as you leave the depth alone

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Might be a good application for a helicoil

 

[nola mike]

It's a real small screw not under much stress. I think a helicoil would be tough and overkill