Distributor Screws Stripped

[flargin]

1989 Merc Bravo 1 7.4

I have stripped the distributor cap "holes" what should I do?

Can I fill it with JB Weld and then tap it out?

Not really interested in spending $300 to buy a new one.

Any other thoughts?

I think using a nut is a waist of time, I am bound to drop it and loose it

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

Anyway to put a nut underneath ?
Heli-coil/thread insert ?
Zip strip the cap to base ? :redface:

 

[lowkee]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

Bigger self-tapping bolt?

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

Yea tap it the next size bigger, maybe metric, don't have to hold a house up just a cap on.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

And then you run the risk of cracking the distributor cap as you drill it out to accept the larger screw.

 

[capecodder116]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

Did you try just running the proper size tap to chase the threads?

 

[JustJason]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

Your best bet is to get the largest stainless steel machine screws and lockwashers/nuts that will fit through the existing hole. Nylock nuts if you can get them. When you put it all together put a dab of perfect seal on the threads of the screws.
You don't need a lot of torque on the screws. The engine will run if you use zip ties to hold the cap down. (although I wouldn't recomend that!!) But at the same time... after you do your fix, keep a couple of zip ties in the boat as a "just in case".

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

If you can put a stainless nut on it, then after it is installed and tightened, perhaps carefully put some JBWeld around the nut and that will hold it in place for next time. Being careful not to get it on the screw of course!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

I have no idea of what the 7.4 distributor looks like,,, but can you JBweld a nut onto the bottom of the stripped hole? IE: an eared tab where you have access to the bottom side of the hole.

If not, can you drill the hole deeper, tap it out and use a longer screw?

(EDIT: looks like Mark beat me to it...)

 

[Lone Duck]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

Use a smaller bolt and nut. grease the the bolt and put the nut on it. careful not to get grease on the nut. Epoxy the nut over the hole ( or in it if you can) use the bolts in the nut to make some thing to hold it still till epoxy hardens . There is an epoxy that is like a plasterscene that you cut off the amount you want and mash it together till it becomes one color. It will harden in about 5 min. And damn if I can remember the name of it. ahh! now I remember, ( plastic steel)

Of all the things I have lost I miss my mind the most.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

You could :
Re-tap to the next size, standard or metric,CAREFULLT re-drill the cap
chase the threads with the correct tap , install a longer bolt, using a nut on a sleeve to allow the nut to hang down a bit.
Post a pic of the dist and I might be able to machine some inserts for it.Then you drill it oversize, loc-tite the inserts, reinstall the oem screws.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

remove whatever may interfear with drilling another hole 1/4 inward drill and tap 10-24 flush mount (screw in from bottom) place a plate on under side of base drill-n-tap through with correct size I believe to be 10-32? for cap. Many possible remedies!!!!!!!!!!!. Pretty interesting solutions for saving a couple hundred$ because of a 30 cent screw.

 

[flargin]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

Thanks for the ideas, it sounds like the JB Weld will not be strong enough to hold threads, so I will likely JB weld a nut in the bottom.

Luckily, I am in the middle of putting in a new long block, so I have the Distributor out. It will be easier to do it on a bench than on the boat!

The Distributor is in a bad place, and thus the previous just left it with whatever threads were left (2 bolts were just slid in ). I put a thin bolt and nut for the last summer, but now is the time to fix it.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

If you gonna have it out have someone plug the hole with a tig and redrill and tp it. Or look on aftermarket marine.com I seen some distr, kits on there for around 200 it's an option or a possible bone yard, And I have delt with this outfit numerous times and they always come through with a good price National Auto Parts 1-866-258-0360. I believe there out of Florida.

 

[Provo5]

Re: Distributor Screws Stripped

I just did the same thing this afternoon. I drilled it out and threw bolted it.