OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Finding and Swapping Wanted Perforated Mesh for Flywheel Cover

Wondering if anyone might have some perforated mesh suitable for re-making a flywheel screen?

I've priced the new stuff and it is ridiculously expensive and they only sell it in big sheets or packs of 2 or more.

Even if it is a bit rusty, I don't really care. Hole size will need to be around 4mm and fairly close together.

Thought I would ask on here, as many people are doing resto's, so someone may just have an unwanted piece lying around their shed. I'm kicking myself because I had a piece from an old truck exhaust that was taking up space for years and I threw it out about 12 months ago. Isn't this always the way?

Please send me a PM if you can help.

What engine are you needing it for? Perhaps someone has the screen needed just laying around.

Thanks. Bit unlikely, but you never know. It is for a Southern Cross KX-D. They had an unusual vertical screen. I may be able to get hold of a template. I think it should be very easy to make.

See if you can find an old catcher, many had perf metal screens in them

Three things you can find at the dump probably that will have perforated metal, front load washing machines, tumble dryers, and dish washers. I got a big flat sheet out of the door of, I think a Braun, dishwasher at the dump.

How big a piece do you need? The perforated area strips down each side are 500mm x 50mm

Thanks for the tips. I'd need probably about 30 X 30 cm to be safe. Our dump won't let us take parts off things. You have to buy the whole thing from the Lifeline Shop next door and they charge like a wounded bull.

I wonder if the front loader washing machines would have good enough ventilation? The holes need to be around 4mm diameter and fairly closely spaced, like the old Briggs & Stratton screens.

I thought the SC just had a strip of vertical mesh running around under the starter? How about a photo of what you are trying to do. I have a couple of big old B$S dead ones with a mesh guard on the front laying around but the mesh is only about 200mm diameter.
Here is the inside of my front loader, that is also dead by the way, holes are about 5mm diameter.

I would think the mesh in a tumble dryer at least would be suitable given that it has to allow a lot of air through.

i Just was thinking, are you anywhere near a heavy vehicle service mechanic? Because many diesel air filter elements have mesh around them and one off a large truck or heavy machinery such as a dozer may have a suitable screen. They might have ones in their bin that you could get for free.

I bought a 6x4 sheet so I could replace the plastic screens in the Rover catchers but trying to post a piece would be a pain and probably costly

Thanks for the helpful replies. That is a very good idea about the filter elements from trucks. I'll do some looking.

A mate gave me a great idea. Make one out of an old perforated colander.
Two problems with this: 1) finding one the right diameter, and 2) finding one that isn't new. I know I will get into trouble if I steal the one from the kitchen cupboard!

Car air filters for older cars, too.




An old Ryco A31 that I had on hand here. The current ones have a perforated tinned steel 'mesh', but that would work for you too.

Thanks Gadge, We're a thrifty bunch on this forum! I remember there use to be a large Ryco filter that had the mesh over the entire top. Once I get the dimensions off the original I'll have more of an idea about how big a piece I need. I'm working a bit blind at present, but just chasing some workable solutions.