16 replies to this topic

[JustSteve]

I am led to believe There is a split pin in the bottom of all a-series/b-series engines... Including the one on my mpi

So,why is it there?

[glyn]

its to wiggle around and keep the hole clear so if any oil or water gets in there it can drain out

[JustSteve]

So why not just a hole?

[Pooky]

Just a hole will let crud in. The split pin is like a force field of justice against crud.

[L400RAS]

So why not just a hole?

incase it gets blocked...as glyn says

Edited by L400RAS, 13 January 2011 - 04:30 PM.

[glyn]

the hole would get full of grit and debris from the road and then get bunged up so the clutch housing would then fill up with oil or water then contaminate the clutch!

[JustSteve]

Ahh I see.

Thanks for your replies

[oldman]

Just a hole will let crud in. The split pin is like a force field of justice against crud.

That made me chuckle
Can the force field of justice help in my battle with rust!
Cheers
John

[1984mini25]

To keep the hole clear of crud as already said, BUT to also give an indication of if the primarily oil seal is failing, as it will be dripping oil from the hole. If left long enough the seal my fail completely and contaminate/write off the clutch.

[Cooperman]

It's correct name is a 'jiggle pin'.

[Davidmt]

And just because, whilst I was swapping over the start motor, I had exactly the same question albeit a few years later - here's a picture of the "jiggle pin"

 Jiggle Pin.jpg   45.63K   1 downloads

[floormanager]

My favourite piece of BMC Engineering - we need a hole to let out oil leaks but it might get filled up with crud.  I know, we'll fit a split pin in there to wobble about for ever! Brilliant.

[Steam]

And as it is BMC it is an imperial jiggle pin.

[imack]

Simple but effective

[bpirie1000]

Sent by the Leyland boffins to puzzle many a mini owner.

Almost like they built the perfect car then added this split pin and scattered a dose of rust about and removed a couple of layers of paint to encourage the rust.

Then decided to mix up all the thread pitch just to keep us on our toes....

But still we love the little cars.