How many of you have used the sheet metal screws provided by some kits to attach the engine to the engine mount? Do they hold up, or work loose eventually?

I have always turned up my nose at this, but now find myself considering it because this Contender does not give access to the bottom of the mount (for locknuts), and I just don't feel like going through the effort of fitting blind nuts under there, even though I've done it before and know that would be the smart thing to do.

So, how do the sheet metal screws hold up? We're talking #8 screws securing an OS 70 Surpass on a GP nylon mount. The mount is secured with 6/32 bolts, FWIW... and I should add that I don't have the proper size (short shank) blind nuts handy. All I've got are some long ones.

Steve

If you want to use this type of screw, I'd suggest replacing them with a socket head type. The ones supplied are usually slotted and the slots are easy to bung up.

I've always used locknuts and can't tell you about the holding power of the sheet metal screws.

flianbrian

I hear you regarding the heads. These are Phillips head. But if I have to acquire some different ones, I'll just get the proper blind nuts instead. I don't feel like running into town today...<G>

Steve

Steve:

I've never been comfortable with the sheet metal screws, but I have, on many occasions, tapped the mount for machine screws and had excellent results.

Bill.

I usually tap the mount and install hex head screws with lock washers. They held up extremely well. I have had 'thin headed' screw 'break off' and that was a pain.

<<...I've never been comfortable with the sheet metal screws...>>

I don't think I would be either, Bill. Thanks for the reality check.

And I smooth forgot about the 6-32 tap in my tool box. That, with Nord washers under the heads, will hold hex head bolts quite nicely. Appreciate the reminder, guys.

And just in time; the epoxy on the firewall is dry now...<G>

Steve

I have found that coarse threads hold better than the fine ones, ie: 6-32 holds better than the 6-40. The thread is deeper and gets a better bite.

Tom

The gp mounts tend to hold machine screws in tapped hole very well, almost a self locking feature.