Edelbrock 1400-----------------stripped throttle plate screws

[mrnda]

Absolutely not a master mechanic, but i am williing to grab a wrench, a book, and give it a try.  I have rebuilt a couple of carbs before and there were no issues.

My sons pickups, 1984 2500 2wd, came with an edlebrock 1400.  While dissasembling the carb i was trying to take off the throttle plates and the screws kept breaking off, now i have to deal with the broken shafts in the carb and buy new screws.  I noticed the bottom of the screws look like they have been pinged, are they not meant to come out?  I was going to clean them up and hit them with the buffer wheel for smoother airflow.  I am not a high performance guy, but this makes sense to me.

Has anybody else experienced this?

[bd]

Throttle plate screws are peened to keep the screws and the plates in the throttle shaft and out of the cylinders.  Generally, the plates don't need to be removed during overhaul, unless bushing a worn shaft or for 'custom work' (as you're attempting).  The 'peened' ends need to be relieved before removing the screws.  You probably aren't going to gain much by polishing the bores/shafts.  The plates you should leave alone, entirely - don't try to polish them.  Try contacting Edelbrock's Tech Line for assistance with replacement screws (800) 416-8628.

Incidentally, when you install the replacement screws be sure to peen them just enough that they can't back out and fall into the intake.

[mrnda]

Thanks, after this happened I was kind of thinking the same thing as the screws fell apart.  The confusing part to me is why does Rochester not do the same if this is such a possibility? 

Thanks for the response

[bd]

...The confusing part to me is why does Rochester not do the same if this is such a possibility? 

Rochester does peen their screws, just differently.  You've been lucky.

[VileZambonie]

I would agree 100% with BD

Next time you want to make some performance mods go for something that will yield you noticeable results.

[mrnda]

BD/Zombie,  Thanks for the response, i guess i have gotten lucky with previous carb projects.  LIkei said i am not a performance guy, I actually preffer stock performance I am not a rock crawler or speed guy and was just trying to give a thorough cleaning while i was in it.  Thanks for the response and input, lesson learned for future projects.