I was putting in a new set of points today and after 26 years the little screw that holds the points onto the plate stripped out. Its a pretty thin piece of metal plate, think it would be ok to get it tapped and rethreaded or wouldn’t try it? Figured I would ask before I started looking at junkyards, doesn’t look like anyone sells just that plate.
I would first try putting some JB Weld in the stripped screw hole and insert the screw. You should be able to remove and replace the screw once the JB weld sets up.
Maybe a light spray of WD-40 on the screw so the JB weld doesn’t stick to it. With out seeing it, I would say you could just go up to the next size screw.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
If the JB Weld doesn’t do the trick for you, try a self tapping metal framing screw (#10x1/4 I think) from Lowes or Home Depot. Use the black ones instead of the silver ones if you can find them, as they are much harder. Add a drop or two of silicone on the last tightening, to act as a thread lock/anti-seize. Good Luck!!
…Politicians aren’t the “Oldest Profession”, but the results are still the same!!!
just retap it one size bigger. Take the point plate out and check the weights adn springs while you’re at it. Even better, replace the point plate with a pertronix electronic conversion, you’ll thank me later
If there is room beneath the plate you could epoxy a nut the same size as the bolt. Try not to get epoxy on the threads of the nut but if you do just clean them with a tap after it sets up.
18.5 Baycraft Flats Edition
Johnson 150 Oceanrunner
Wood Driftboat
If you go the epoxy route, roughen up the nut and plate with sandpaper and wipe with acetone or other degreaser first.
18.5 Baycraft Flats Edition
Johnson 150 Oceanrunner
Wood Driftboat
This might be way off the wall, but one layer of plumbers Teflon tape tight around the screw before you use the JBweld or epoxy might make it easy to remove.
“PaPa’s Salt Shaker” Stinger-144, 50 Yamaha 2-str
I just retapped it. Threw the new points in and she fired right up like it hadn’t been sitting all winter!