red stuff on carb brass plugs!

[YN2(SS)]

I am trying to rebuild a Merc 40 carb and four brass plugs have a coating of red (Threadlocker?) on them. I was able to remove two of the four but would like to be able to remove the rest to ensure those passages are clean. Any thoughts?

 

[ifixf18s]

Re: red stuff on carb brass plugs!

Interesting, is the red just on the threads or is it on the whole plug? There is types of corrosion that can be red in color, red plague for example. though this is not a corrosion for brass. its more on silver plated copper. just a thought could be corrosion but brass is pretty good at resisting.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: red stuff on carb brass plugs!

its a product that merc used on there carbs to seal the screws and nuts i think it was called gasiola or something. but generally u dont need it cause the screws r so tight fit but if u want too u can put somehting on there dont know what though

 

[verado7]

Re: red stuff on carb brass plugs!

aircraft #3 sealant and gasket maker is excellent - doesnt dry hard and it's cheaper than liquid teflon - i use it on all the bolts and coat the gaskets for extra sealing . really good for exhaust cover gaskets -

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: red stuff on carb brass plugs!

THe real problem is this. I can't get them out. I have used an immense amount of pressure, downward force to keep the screwdriver in the slot and a lot of torque and these #$#%&*( screws won't budge. I know Threadlocker requires torque or heat to deactivate. I have tried the torque and am wary of takin a torch to the carb. Is there any chemical dissolvers I can use?

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: red stuff on carb brass plugs!

Any thoughts? Anyone?

 

[gss036]

Re: red stuff on carb brass plugs!

Tool companys ( I have one fro Sears) make a hand held impact type device that will have a screw driver attachments along w/socket so you can use that. Use a bit that fits snug and make sure it is set to unscrew, turn to the left, and hit it w/a hammer. This should break the plug loose.
You do not want to apply heat from a torch as you will start a fire and destroy your carb. Maybe a heat gun, but the impact drivers is the best way to go.

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: red stuff on carb brass plugs!

Appreciate your help. I'll give it a try.

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: red stuff on carb brass plugs!

OK, so I couldn't set the idle in gear in a tub of water today, so I decided to take the carb apart again. I bought a #10 can of carb cleaner from NAPA with a basket in it to let it soak overnight. When I took the carb apart I got down to the two brass plugs I couldn't get out before, so heres what I did.

I took my dremel and cut a deeper channel in the top of the two brass plugs and then I took a screwdriver to my bench grinder and got it to match the deeper channel, curve and width. And low and behold, the two brass plugs came out (with a lot of love). Now I could access the idle jet and I removed it. Once I saw the main jet nozzle under the second brass plug, I was not too happy. The top shoulder of it had been busted and part of it was pryed to the side. So I haven't even tried to remove it. I used a jewelers screwdriver to tap it back into shape and then dipped the parts. Will try to make sure it is clean and all the holes in it open before I put it back together. If I cant get it to run good then I will buy a new main jet nozzle and remove the old and try that.

 

[wingless]

Re: red stuff on carb brass plugs!

Sometimes a difficult fastener may be dislodged by first tightening a small amount, then loosening.