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help! cross threaded sump....


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#16 bluebottle

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Posted 20 May 2004 - 09:34 AM

i agree that there probably wouldn't be room to get the helicoil tool in, but its not hard to undo the engine mounts and just lever the engine over a little to drop the sump plug down low enough to use the tool

if you're not in a rush, i've seen a lot of helicoil stuff at autojumbles, and the local army surplus yard has lin-bins full of them.so it might be worth shopping around, this might be the cheaper option as i think the insert tool and the tap aren't exactly cheap.

#17 dklawson

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Posted 20 May 2004 - 01:07 PM

Getting the HeliCoil in the U.K. is probably the biggest problem. The HeliCoil does NOT change the size of the threaded hole. The process involves re-tapping the hole oversized to accept a spiral wire insert that becomes the "new" threads. Typical kits include the proper drill, tap, inserts, installation tool, and a tang breaker. The tang is a little bit on the insert used to "drive" the insert into the re-tapped hole. Once the insert is in place this tang must be broken off to leave the hole clear. The end result is a strong threaded hole of the correct size. You will use a STANDARD sized drain plug.

The kit is available from Mini Mania for about $50 U.S. (by the way, this is an EXCELLENT price for a HeliCoil kit. They are usually MUCH more!) Shipping to the U.K. would be expensive. However, why not contact Mini Spares and see if they can't get you this kit from Mini Mania. The two companies have a relationship and they must ship parts back and forth. Frankly I'm surprised they don't sell this kit in the U.K.

The following is from the Mini Mania web site:
****************************************************
HELICOIL KIT DRAIN PLUG
The tranny drain plug on the Mini is large and robust but we have all seen them where the threads have been stripped out. No reason to change gearboxes just because of the drain plug. While the threads and the diameter and not very standard we have found a "helicoil" kit that allows you to simply install new threads and restore the box to stronger than new. While it is best done on a workbench (box does not need to be taken apart), it can be done while still in the car!
Fits the Following Cars: MINI
TOOL08 Categories: [GEARBOXES] [TOOLS]
Price: $49.95

#18 maxi

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Posted 20 May 2004 - 03:55 PM

Hey, i had the same problem and got a tapered sump plug which is the bizz. no new threading or any kits or any of that messing. bought it from minisport london :D

#19 dklawson

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Posted 20 May 2004 - 04:58 PM

Tapered plugs were once common in cast iron transmission and differential housings. They do work, particularly with sealant on the threads. However, if you go this route be careful not to "over tighten" the plug. They are a very powerful wedge and can easily split the tapped aluminum hole you're putting it in when used on a Mini.

On an old Honda of mine I put a tapered pipe plug in the sump after an oil change place ruined the stock plug/sump. I chose to use nylon pipe plugs for drain plugs and they worked very well. However, if you use this in the Mini there won't be any magnet to catch debris in the sump. You could easily make your own custom plug like this though by adding a magnet.

#20 Cooperman

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Posted 21 May 2004 - 08:05 PM

I've just had the job done properly on a Cooper 'S' engine/box I'm building. There is a Helicoil exactly the correct size, but I don't know for sure what that size is. Ask a good engineering shop, or take the sump plug into an engineering parts stockist.
When I had the problem with a Mini 30 a few years back I got a 3/4"Whitworth bolt, a tap to suit and borrowed the right sized tapping drill. The entire job cost me about £12-00. You drill out to the right tapping size making sure you go in absolutely straight and in line with the existing hole. The tap and fit the new bolt with a big copper washer. It'sas simple as that, soi long as you choose the right tools. Don't forget to get all the swarf out of the bottom of the box before filling with fresh 20/50 'Valvoline Racing' oil (the best IMO for all Minis).




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