Cowl vent screws

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Jan 3, 2020 | 09:44 AM

3twinridges

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Cargo Master

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Cowl vent screws

We are getting around to installing the cowl vent and gasket. I didn’t block the vent screw caged nuts off and they are loaded with paint. Any advice on cleaning the 8-32 threads? My first thought was a tap but wanted to check on other ideas first.

JB

Jan 3, 2020 | 10:48 AM

hulleywoodworking

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From: Kenmore, NY

Ideally, you would use a thread cleaning tap, AKA a thread restoring tap, which is sized to clean the gunk out of the threads without removing any of the metal.

If you don't have one a regular tap will do. I did it myself many times before I bought a set of restoring taps and dies.

John

Jan 3, 2020 | 11:45 AM

3twinridges

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Thanks John, I have a set thread restorers but they only go to 1/4, where did you find a set for smaller fasteners?

JB

Jan 3, 2020 | 12:52 PM

hulleywoodworking

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From: Kenmore, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3twinridges

Thanks John, I have a set thread restorers but they only go to 1/4, where did you find a set for smaller fasteners?

JB

Oops.

Checked my set and it only goes to 1/4-28. Went online and could not find anything smaller.

So I guess that I still use a standard tap on the smaller threads.

Sorry to get your hopes up!!

John

Jan 3, 2020 | 01:05 PM

52 Merc

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From: Burbank, WA

I would suggest doing the best you can to clean the holes with a small pick before running a tap through them. You want to be careful not to cross thread the tap into the holes while trying to clean them. With those tiny threads it would be easy to do.

Jan 3, 2020 | 01:14 PM

ALBUQ F-1

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From: NM

Run a #6-32 tap thru them, I'd bet it knocks the paint clear of the threads without affecting the metal.

Jan 3, 2020 | 03:51 PM

truckeemtnfords

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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH

Try soaking the holes with lacquer thinner, acetone or MEK then take a 8/32 machine screw and cut small notch in one side of the threads (like a tap) to clean out the threads.