I am really bad at judging screw size,,,i need to know what screw size I need to mount a #254 motor to frame,and also screw size for mounting a# 8 motor to frame,,,thanks
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I asked that question about two years ago for my 253 screws should be the same.
Some answers I got:
"4-36 x 1/4 round head for the motor frame, 4-36 x 1/8 fillister for mounting the body to the frame".
"Wish you luck. 4-36 threads are an obsolete size and you won't find them in the big box stores. Look for a hardware store that's been at the same spot for sixty or more years".
You can do a search for the post by “Question: What are the scre size and threads for a Lionel 253".
There are some vendors that may have them, I would try Hennings first.
Hope that works as I did the #8's and 250 series locos.
Some one may have some other info to add.
This'll do it.
Another choice on a lot of Prewar, are 4-40 x 1/4”; 3/8”: 1/2”. The 4-40 screw works on the 150 series loco (motor to frame).
All prewar screws were 4/36. 4/40 didn't come into existence till after WW2.
thanks for the info,,,will ck it out,,,and have a happy and safe thanksgiving,t
Chuck Sartor posted:All prewar screws were 4/36. 4/40 didn't come into existence till after WW2.
The 4-40 can be forced in but you will bugger the thread a bit. I looked for the 4-36 fillister and round head screws. They can be found but it takes a bit. When you order the correct screws order more than you need as you may be doing more engines. The hunt for the parts is one of the best things to do. Reason is that when looking you will find other parts that you may need.
Where did you find the fillister heads Ron? Hennings has screws that'll work but not the small fillisters-at least not that I'm aware of....
John
try looking at micro fasteners see if they have what you need.
None at Micro.
Search term : #4-36 machine screw on Google returned some available. various lengths. I ran into this with the knurled nuts for the O27 switch wire connector posts.
eBay has 4-36 x 5/16 fillister screws.
I just ordered 2 old stock boxes of 144 screws each box. Now I will have enough for all my needs. Just type in 4-36 x 5/16 fillister screws in eBay. The 5/16 part should not be a problem and I’d to long I could always cut them down (did this before with no chase nut).
Thanks Ron, opted for the 4/40 × 3/16 NOS from the bay. 4/40 worked in the past, if the hole threads were bad had to jump to next bigger anyway
John H. Shetler posted:Thanks Ron, opted for the 4/40 × 3/16 NOS from the bay. 4/40 worked in the past, if the hole threads were bad had to jump to next bigger anyway
Hi John, just a note both number 4 screws will be the same diameter. The difference between the 36 and 40 is just treads per inch. What you could do is to chase the existing 4-36 threaded hole with a 4-40 tap. At lest you will know that the threaded hole will have some 4-40 thread left. I would not over tighten it.
Right and thanks for the reminder Ron, I'm amazed at some of the old repair jobs have come across working on these motors and frames but imagine in some cases the dad was just trying to get it running so the kid would get off his back??
Check out Nyerges, now under Len CARPARELLI. Has all the fasteners you will likely need, including the odd heads and threads.
RonH posted:I asked that question about two years ago for my 253 screws should be the same.
Some answers I got:
"4-36 x 1/4 round head for the motor frame, 4-36 x 1/8 fillister for mounting the body to the frame".
"Wish you luck. 4-36 threads are an obsolete size and you won't find them in the big box stores. Look for a hardware store that's been at the same spot for sixty or more years".You can do a search for the post by “Question: What are the scre size and threads for a Lionel 253".
There are some vendors that may have them, I would try Hennings first.
Hope that works as I did the #8's and 250 series locos.
Some one may have some other info to add.
Dr Tinker has 4-36 screws.
Another place they are used is the hex head screws for side rods on some prewar locos.
Sounds like multiple reliable sources (Hennings, Dr. Tinker, Nyerges to name a few) for all our screw needs!
thanks to everyone for the great info,,,,,thats what is great bout this site !!!!