identify this part
 

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...4dfc516c96.jpg
photo of bolt
I was cleaning my bilge the other day and found a bolt what appears to be a holley fuel bowl bolt, after checking the both carbs on both motors all the bolts are attached. My Motors are 98 500hps, the bolt has blue paint on it. ive looked all around and cant figure out were it came from. does anyone have any ideas, is there something else that uses a bolt similar on the motor. motors run great with no issues.

If that's the only bolt or part you found your doing well. Lol.. Probably after being serviced I would guess. Are you the original owner of the boat. I didn't see a pic of it however take one of the top bolts out of a bowl cover to compare.

What size head and threads? It seems like I need to pull my engine every season just to retrieve the five pounds of stainless hardware that I’ve dropped in the bilge.

Too long for a Holley bowl screw. The long ones I have here measure 2 1/2" under head length. Short ones are 2" I dont think I have even seen a Holley bowl screw with the tip on the end like that one has either.

Looks like a starter bolt. Check and see if both of yours are in place.

Chris

here another photos of the head


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a3ea09134a.jpg
head of bolt has a phillips head

its not a starter bolt, no knurling, is it 5/16 ?.....how long is it

Just the subframe pivot bolt which holds the engine and it to the middle stringer flex joint. :)

With the phillips head I quickly thought coil bracket screw, but 1) too long and 2) I could see a holley carb carb float screw because of the length , approx 3.25" long (I have notepad in frt of me and measured :) ) but the blue paint it further down the bolt would disprove this plus the locator knub just before the threads

muffler bearing....?

rocker cover bolt?

Looks like 1/4-20 maybe 5/16. Haven’t used that paper in years. No on rocker cover bolt but good guess just not on those valve covers. What size is the head?

With the blue paint down the shaft, looks like an alternator bolt to me, that holds the two halves together

Bolt from the raw water pump?

Maybe.
Not the type ) a 1994 ABC Merc but not HP500 I pulled apart this week-end though to redo the brushes.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9b42cf3206.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...363307ff6a.jpg

Possibly mounting clamp bolt for the oil cooler?
Just throwing out there with the intermittent paint coverage down threads and coated bolt....???

At least something that needs ease of self centering the way it's canted/tapered on the end. Possibly threads into some type of clamp. Doubt oil cooler but maybe on right track.

After seeing that alternator, I'm so glad I play in fresh water. That looks like it was used on salty roads in the winter

So, who has the closest guess ? I would guess the combo hex head with phillips would help alot, lol.

Lake Winni, NH for 26 yrs. 4 months in west coast Fl about 22-23 yrs ago.On lift. No other corrosion anywhere, even outdrive. Unprotected aluminum gets chalky for sure.

Does the closest guess get a cookie?
I like cookies mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

See ya Later has left the building

Out in the middle of the lake with dead batteries because his alternator fell apart!

Agree ^^^ Im pretty sure its a 1/4 20 alternator housing bolt about 3 - 3.5 inch long

Lol.

Cool, so this is final ?

I measured his bolt with my note paer. See above some posts.

So, must be screw/bolt for ground wire since the philips option I’m guessing ? And probably why removed (and dropped by mistake into bilge ? Some changed out sltetnator at some point and new alternators obviously cone with new housing screws.

You guys are good.

Case closed ?

Resurected was first to guess right while in line for cookies:
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I am highly motivated by my stomach!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9fbb80dcd2.jpg

WOW i looked all around for 30 minutes the other day when i discovered the bolt and can say that i never looked at the alternator i haven't run the boat since then but will take a look next time im down on the boat. You guys are the best. ive been on OSO for close to 20 years and im still amazed at the wealth of knowledge on this sight thank you and i will let you all know what i find. your the best

later

I worked on a friends boat last year and when I went to open the engine cover, I found this. Still cannot believe it did not go BOOM
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...92da06f854.jpg

^^^^^^ Now that's funny!!:evilb:

This sounds like a great Photo Contest for next Month "Name this Part".

Or someone could start one each week.

I swear people throw their used parts in the bottom of my boat, because whenever I pull motors and clean out the bilge, there's stuff in there I KNOW I've never seen before! haha!