1950’s OMC Nylon Idle Adjust screw

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  • July 10, 2018 at 2:22 pm #10510
    outbdnut2
    Participant

      US Member

      I have approx 20 1950 OMCs with broken, spring-loaded, minimum idle adjustment screws.

      Marine Engine has a replacement (0304573) that looks like stainless for $35, and a nylon (maybe plastic) screw with spring (0437966)for $55 each….mulitplied x20, that gets expensive!

      Is there any reason I can’t just put a standard screw there, after filing the threaded end smooth and round? I realize I will need a screwdriver to adjust it but that’s no big deal. I’m thinking that maybe stainless screws won’t rust. I may need to put a nut on to tighten against the mating part to keep it from vibrating loose, even with the spring on it. or – does anyone have an inexpensive source for nylon screws that will work, even if a screwdriver or small hex wrench is needed to adjust?
      Dave

      July 10, 2018 at 2:38 pm #79325
      frankr
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        US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK

        A-OK with the standard stainless screw and the spring. Done it lots of times.

        July 10, 2018 at 3:40 pm #79327
        cajuncook1
        Participant
          quote FrankR:

          A-OK with the standard stainless screw and the spring. Done it lots of times.


          Curious, what size standard stainless screw and thread count. Is it fine or course threads?

          Cajun

          July 10, 2018 at 4:27 pm #79329
          aquasonic
          Participant

            US Member

            Those screws are 1/4-20. The nylon is favored because if the motor falls or is impacted, the casting probably won’t break.

            There was a thread on here this past spring about these screws. I bought a bag of ten nylon thumbscrews from Grainger for under $3.00. They aren’t exactly the same as factory, but a respectable replacement.

            July 10, 2018 at 6:30 pm #79338
            cajuncook1
            Participant
              quote aquasonic:

              Those screws are 1/4-20. The nylon is favored because if the motor falls or is impacted, the casting probably won’t break.

              There was a thread on here this past spring about these screws. I bought a bag of ten nylon thumbscrews from Grainger for under $3.00. They aren’t exactly the same as factory, but a respectable replacement.

              Thank you kindly!!! 🙂

              Cajun

              July 10, 2018 at 7:46 pm #79344
              outbdnut2
              Participant

                US Member

                Thx for the info! I may go stainless, but I just had a thought and went to McMaster’s website (The place to get those gas connector O-rings), and found nylon screws available in a variety of different heads. Link below is for thumb screws. Approx $10 for a bag of 100!…or for high strength Glass-filled ones at $10 for a bag of 25. I think I may opt for the high strength ones. They probably sell suitable springs too.
                Dave

                https://www.mcmaster.com/#nylon-screws/=1dnmcse

                July 10, 2018 at 7:54 pm #79345
                david-bartlett
                Participant

                  I am using the glass reinforced plastic screws from McMaster Carr.

                  They work great.

                  July 11, 2018 at 10:25 pm #79397
                  aquasonic
                  Participant

                    US Member

                    Here is the Grainger link: https://www.grainger.com/category/thumb … sst=subset

                    July 12, 2018 at 12:12 am #79400
                    outbdnut2
                    Participant

                      US Member
                      quote aquasonic:

                      Here is the Grainger link: https://www.grainger.com/category/thumb … sst=subset

                      Thx for the Grainger info – I will be near a Grainger store next week – Opps – I just checked and of the three stores in the Minneapolis/St Paul area – none of them stock those! – darn!….thought I would avoid shipping cost.
                      Dave

                      July 12, 2018 at 1:20 pm #79426
                      aquasonic
                      Participant

                        US Member

                        I usually order from my local Grainger outlet in Rhode Island. The order goes to the regional warehouse in New Jersey, and the order is in by 7:30 AM the next day. Very handy, and no shipping, just state sales tax.

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