Snapped screws in carb...

[nola mike]

Finally got around to rebuilding my Edelbrock 1409 after my boat got swamped. A good bit of junk in there, although the carb looks really easy to rebuild in general. Ran into problems with multiple screws snapping off, despite my being *super* careful, heating/pb blaster, to no avail. Anyway, I have 4 screws that need out. A couple are proud from the base, but I can't get vise grips on them and think they'd just snap anyways. I'm thinking small left hand bits? Not enough meat to retap I don't think. Ez outs make me nervous. Any other ideas? Might just take it to a machine shop and save myself the grief...

 

[Scott06]

Take them to a machine shop to drill and tap.

 

[KJM]

You could drill them out and use a helicoil

 

[Grub54891]

Imho, when I find that situation, the carb is more than likely corroded in other way's also. You may not be able to see the damage in those tiny ports, but rebuilding may not cure running issues. I know replacement is expensive but sometimes it's the only option.

 

[nola mike]

Imho, when I find that situation, the carb is more than likely corroded in other way's also. You may not be able to see the damage in those tiny ports, but rebuilding may not cure running issues. I know replacement is expensive but sometimes it's the only option.

There were no issues before the boat swamped. There's grit in there now but looks in good shape overall. One of the venturi screws was already snapped off. I think someone was in there before and gorilla tightened the screws.

 

[Grub54891]

There were no issues before the boat swamped. There's grit in there now but looks in good shape overall. One of the venturi screws was already snapped off. I think someone was in there before and gorilla tightened the screws.

Ya know, I have come across a couple over the years that have locktite-Red- on them. UGH. I don't know what people are thinking when they use that in a un-needed situation. The worst I've had to do was use blue on one of mine for the bottom plate that kept coming loose.

 

[nola mike]

Had to take it to 2 machine shops (first was worried about the small screws and didn't have the right tool) but they're going to drill it and put in inserts for $130. A bit spendy, but cheaper than a new carb, and I really didn't relish this job.

 

[bigtime_mcalpine]

Had to take it to 2 machine shops (first was worried about the small screws and didn't have the right tool) but they're going to drill it and put in inserts for $130. A bit spendy, but cheaper than a new carb, and I really didn't relish this job.

Wow, that’s money well spent. You would have been at those for a while and praying that results were satisfactory. Good call taking it in.