The Buckshot Racing #77 Marine-Grade Stainless Reed Screw Kit is designed to replace the small factory reed-retaining screws used on many later Mercury Marine, Mariner, Mercury Racing, Optimax, Pro XS, Sport XS, SportJet, and performance V6 reed cages.
These precision M3 x 5 metric socket-head screws replace Mercury 10-849038 and are intended for compatible later SportJet-style reed cage assemblies using this screw size.
Instead of working with small factory-style screw heads, the Buckshot Racing #77 replacement uses a socket-head design that accepts a standard 2.5 mm Allen key, making installation, removal, and future reed service easier and more controlled.
Marine-Grade Stainless Construction
Reed cage screws live in a demanding environment where they are exposed to fuel, oil, moisture, vibration, and constant crankcase pressure cycling.
Buckshot Racing #77 uses marine-grade stainless steel to provide excellent corrosion resistance and long-term durability in two-stroke outboard applications.
The socket-head design also gives the installer positive tool engagement. A properly fitting 2.5 mm Allen key is much easier to control than a damaged or partially stripped small screw head, particularly when servicing multiple reed cages during a complete V6 rebuild.
These are direct replacement service screws for applications calling for the Mercury 849038 M3 x 5 reed screw.
Three Complete Kit Sizes
Buckshot Racing #77 offers three kits so the correct quantity can be ordered for the reed system being rebuilt.
Kit 1 – 48 Screws for 4-Petal Reed Cages
Includes 48 M3 x 5 stainless socket-head screws, enough for a complete compatible six-cylinder 4-petal reed cage set that call for the metric OEM bolt 10-849038.
Kit 2 – 60 Screws for 5-Petal Reed Cages - Includes 60 M3 x 5 stainless socket-head screws, enough for a complete compatible six-cylinder 5-petal reed cage set.
Kit 3 – 72 Screws for 6-Petal Reed Cages - Includes 72 M3 x 5 stainless socket-head screws, enough for a complete compatible six-cylinder 6-petal reed cage set.
This allows engine builders to order one complete matched screw package rather than purchasing individual Mercury hardware.
Mercury Engine Applications
The 849038 reed screw appears across a broad range of later Mercury reed cage applications. Common fitment families include selected Mercury Racing SST-120 and S2000 engines, later SportJet-style reed assemblies, and numerous 2.5L, 3.0L, and 3.2L V6 two-strokes.
Mercury application listings also include engines such as the 200 EFI Pro Max / Super Mag, 150/200 Pro Max / Super Mag, 240 SportJet, SST-200, S3000, 300 Drag, 200 XS 2.5L, 225 XS 2.5L, 225 Sport XS 2.5L, 250 Sport XS 2.5L, 225 Pro XS 3.0L, 250 Pro XS 3.0L, 250 XS 3.0L, 300X 3.0L Pro Max, and 300XS 3.2L where the corresponding later-style reed cage and M3 x 5 hardware are used.
The same screw family is also cataloged on selected smaller Mercury two-strokes, including 75 HP, 80 HP Jet, 90 HP, 115 HP, 115 Pro XS, and 125 HP 1.5L 3-cylinder applications, depending on reed cage configuration and serial range.
Because Mercury used different reed cage designs even within the same horsepower family, fitment should be confirmed by the existing screw size, reed cage type, or Mercury part number 849038, not horsepower alone.
4-, 5- & 6-Petal Reed Cage Service
Mercury used several reed arrangements over the years, and the number of petals affects how many screws are required for a complete powerhead.
The 48-piece kit is intended for compatible 4-petal arrangements, the 60-piece kit for 5-petal arrangements, and the 72-piece kit for 6-petal arrangements.
These kits are particularly useful when installing new composite reeds, Boyesen reeds, Mercury-style replacement reeds, or complete reed cage rebuilds where reusing decades-old fasteners is not desirable.
Buckshot Racing #77 Installation Tech Tip
Before installing the new screws, clean the reed cage threads and inspect each threaded hole for damage or old thread-locking material.
Use a quality 2.5 mm Allen key that fully engages the socket. Start every screw by hand to avoid cross-threading the aluminum reed cage.
Reed screws are small fasteners. Do not overtighten them. Use the correct Mercury service procedure and torque specification for the exact reed cage being assembled, and use only the thread-locking method specified for that application.
After assembly, verify that every reed petal seats correctly and that no screw, reed stay, or retainer interferes with reed movement.
The Buckshot Racing #77 M3 x 5 Stainless Reed Screw Kit provides a clean, corrosion-resistant replacement for Mercury 849038 and simplifies complete reed cage service on many later Mercury SportJet-style 4-, 5-, and 6-petal reed systems.