like Dan said........brass rod cut to lenth........also, if ya got a parts motor and the carb is screwed, the needle jet rods are brass and the right dia. 1/4"...........just check your nose cone , there are 2 types, both require a differnt lenght..........

rushwal wrote: So, apparently I was going to be a dumb @$$ and make my own. What is the correct material?

If the prop has a rubber hub designed to protect the engine when the prop strikes a solid object

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stainless steel- called a drive pin.
If the prop doesn't offer the motor protection,---- then a shear pin made of brass- called a shear pin.

You of course could use brass with a rubber hub and be more protected.

I've read of many that use brass rod from a hardware store..

rushwal wrote: So, apparently I was going to be a dumb @$$ and make my own. What is the correct material?

I've seen stainless (my newer Merc), or brass. For as little as they cost, and however infrequently you break one, I'd be inclined to just buy a couple of the correct OEM ones. The ones in my brush hog are mild steel. I have to make a supply of those myself since my wife breaks 2 every time she uses it.

So, apparently I was going to be a dumb @$$ and make my own. What is the correct material?

Positive brushes are shorted out to the case.

Not sure if it's worth the effort to de-solder all the connections to be able to pull the positive parts out to be able to replace the insulation between the case and the positive side.

Oh man! That stinks.... Good luck. I hope you find the problem

rushwal wrote: Well, I don't think the galvanizing will matter as I put power to it a moment ago and it went pop. Just a small pop, but I'm guessing I shorted something. Maybe I'll take it back apart.

I think I would take it back apart

The "pop" may have left tracks that will show you what happened.

Well, I don't think the galvanizing will matter as I put power to it a moment ago and it went pop. Just a small pop, but I'm guessing I shorted something. Maybe I'll take it back apart.

HawkEyes wrote: if you cut the bolt I think the end will rust

Cold Galvanizing is your friend!

it's not galvanized... I just got a plain steel bolt. And that's the end that will be encapsulated inside the bracket.