Homie 150 Muffler Shield Correct Screws, help?

[homelitelover]

I recently purchased a NOS muffler shield for one of my Homelite 150s. The parts diagram said it would be installed with 8-32 3/8 screws, so I bought 4 of them. They are too big. The go in a little bit and then stop, or at least I stop knowing it’s too tight. Does anyone know what screw I really need? 

Attachments:

[rowdy235]

6-32 would be the next smaller size, I’d give that a shot. Looking at that picture they screw does look like too big diameter.

[homelitelover]

Thanks for the reply Rowdy235. I’ll grab some 6-32 screws next time I’m in town.

[homelitelover]

I picked up some 6-32 screws only to find out they’re too small. 7-32 doesn’t seem like a very common size. They’re sold out on Amazon, but this one site has them in increments of 25.
military-fasteners.com/screws/machine%20screws/ms3213-1
Also, eBay has these, I think they’d work.
www.ebay.com/itm/191944591967?hash=item2cb0ca0a5f:g:pwwAAOSwcSxaaQLp&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwKralgFhukybrF4MEaZ47n3uNXUFOAHMnDTkXfgC1kkZYAwOXp7bWZ1pOnEbnchpn36haMFbLs4LOhtMfsyAy4pj%2BhUgTitxcELyiNV0ikYRWNI%2BN2iMELhWBWTo2M0E7wwMlXQnkJUKwcNynNOmRXRRRbaXyEYIW4%2BMhPV8eNGU5c%2B2n0vCV3HyEeUmv%2Bk1b35zOKEqF8lZPsLVYre3tp%2FjHKI6tBt%2B4QFSK8qPzZ40quBY13u88EpEGDL5%2BV7%2BxQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9r5iNeqYw

[charles]

The 8-32 screws are supposed to be 3/8" long and the screw in your picture looks to 3/4" or longer !  Either cut the screws to the 
correct length or buy the short ones .  They are the right thread size , just too long and that's why they are bottoming out .

[blythkd]

Agree, it's either #6 or #8 screws with Homelite. They never used a #7 size machine screw, if it even exists.

[homelitelover]

I’m aware that the 8-32 screws are too long. I will cut them when the time comes, because that small of a length wasn’t available. I only got it a tiny bit in and it just felt too tight. They did not bottom out. I’ll clean any gunk out of the threads and try again. eBay has OEM ones… I’ll have to get a better look, maybe the previous owner stripped the threads.

www.ebay.com/itm/191431780121https://www.ebay.com/itm/191431780121 

[homelitelover]

Actually, I don’t even see threads in the holes in the clutch cover. Now I’m confused.

[rowdy235]

Well now that is odd. Maybe try running an 8-32 tap down it (gently) and see if it clears out any threads? Or, if the threads are not there, can make them with a tap

[homelitelover]

Jan 29, 2024 13:32:30 GMT -5 rowdy235 said:

Well now that is odd. Maybe try running an 8-32 tap down it (gently) and see if it clears out any threads? Or, if the threads are not there, can make them with a tap

By clear out I’m assuming you mean clear dirt. I did that. The holes are smooth from what I can tell.

[blythkd]

Must need self tappers. IPL calls for 80839 screws. I can check them tomorrow if I have some and see exactly what they are.

[homelitelover]

Jan 29, 2024 19:28:13 GMT -5 blythkd said:

Must need self tappers. IPL calls for 80839 screws. I can check them tomorrow if I have some and see exactly what they are.

Okay, I’d appreciate it. Thanks.

[rowdy235]

Another option would be (depending on the hole size) tap for 6-32 or 8-32 screws

[blythkd]

I couldn't find any 80939 screws. I'm guessing it's not a very common screw.  Time for Plan B, I guess.

I did find a picture of some online.  They appear to be a triangular shaped self tapper with a slotted pan head. 

[rowdy235]

I think what you will need is called a thread cutting screw. Any good hardware store should have them. Here are some I found on Amazon

Small Parts 0808FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Hex Washer Head, Slotted Drive, Type F, #8-32 Thread Size, 1/2" Length (Pack of 100) a.co/d/5AIniQt

[homelitelover]

I suppose I’ll order these.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GX0U8EE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Thank you for the help guys, I appreciate it.

[homelitelover]

The thread forming screws are a tiny bit too big as well. Or am I not trying hard enough?

[rowdy235]

Tough to tell from the picture, but it will take some effort, similar to tapping threads. I’d use some lubricant (rapid tap or wd40) and go a little bit at a time, maybe one turn then back it out to clear the threads. A 1/4 ratchet would be ideal. With some patience I think you will get it!

[homelitelover]

I got this project finished today. Thanks you for all the help.

[homelitelover]

Here’s a video of the saw running with the guard installed. Clutch cover/chain needs to be adjusted but otherwise I’m done working on this saw. I have lots of other videos too if any of you want to check out my channel while you’re at it.

www.youtube.com/shorts/Z0ofNlzzaAc