60 replies to this topic

[zef]

There's also these tools.

http://www.metrinch-...php?language=gb

[Carlzilla]

Why all the talk about 13mm spanners? We keep seeing this error, again and again, on the forum. With very few exceptions (some track rod end to steering arm nuts for a start) ALL nuts and bolts on a Mini are imperial. The correct spanner is 1/2" AF, and 13mm is not close enough.

I don't imagine that you want rounded-off nuts to add to your problems. That would be an engine out job.

Because they dont make 1/2" flexi ratchet spanners ;)
I always use 1/2 spanners and sockets where i need to, and when something is tight i'll crack it off with a 1/2" spanner, but then in awkward places it doesnt harm it being 13mm at all.

[Sprocket]

Why all the talk about 13mm spanners? We keep seeing this error, again and again, on the forum. With very few exceptions (some track rod end to steering arm nuts for a start) ALL nuts and bolts on a Mini are imperial. The correct spanner is 1/2" AF, and 13mm is not close enough.

I don't imagine that you want rounded-off nuts to add to your problems. That would be an engine out job.

I'd be more worried about some one that doesn't know what they are doing messing with a fuel pump. Could end with a barbeque!

[tiger99]

Well, anyone who uses a 13mm spanner on a Mini certainly does not know what they are doing, despite assertions to the contrary, so I would be very worried. Unless, of course, I was a fireman and wanted the overtime.

[Carlzilla]

I think you'll find i do know what im doing thank you very much.
Next time you're messing about with a 1/2" nut or bolt, turning it with a spanner 1/4 or 1/8 turn at a time on a nut or bolt that's just slightly too tight to undo by hand, think to yourself, could a 13mm ratchet spanner be of use to me here?' and i think you'll find the answer is yes...If you've ever changed a clutch with the engine in car, you'll know exactly what kind of faffing around i am on about. An 11mm flexi ratchet spanner would be an invaluable tool for removal and replacement of the bellhousing bolts.

Edited by Carlzilla, 01 January 2012 - 02:54 AM.

[zef]

Wow. Using 13mm spanners causes fires now!!!

Oh and I know what I'm doing as well. Must do seen as it's my job and a Rolls Royce trained engineer with 50 years experience tells me I'm good at it.

[zef]

Oh and if you do the math 1/2" = 12.8mm. Close enough when you're using a spanner that grips on the flats.

[conlad]

Here we go.................... another TMF special.......

A 13mm is fine for when trying to get a 1/2'' bolt off, as novice as I am, I used the 13mm rachet yesterday and seemed fine, gripped well etc etc...

Edited by ct16mini, 01 January 2012 - 09:54 AM.

[Carlzilla]

Looking at his other post to do with engine removal, he seems to enjoy telling people to do everything the hard way :S

[Beej123]

Looking at his other post to do with engine removal, he seems to enjoy telling people to do everything the hard way :S

It's a TMF thing

[sonikk4]

And to add some more fuel to the fire replacement panels like for example the front panel and some heel board repair sections come with metric nuts welded in place so if a car has been repaired at some time in its life it may well have metric fasteners. If i remember correctly the replacement front panel i fitted to Project Erm had a nice label from Magnum stating it had M8 nuts fitted.

Personally in over thirty years of working on cars and aircraft i have used either 1/2" or 13mm spanners / sockets on either types and had no issues. If i felt it was too loose i would not have used them. I do not believe in trying to make work for myself.

[Sprocket]

Wow. Using 13mm spanners causes fires now!!!

Oh and I know what I'm doing as well. Must do seen as it's my job and a Rolls Royce trained engineer with 50 years experience tells me I'm good at it.

Its not the spanner that starts fires, its those that do not respect petroleum spirit, and while OP is having trouble replacing what is essentially a simple task, with unsutable tools and no workshop manual, It could end it lots of smoke. Not having suitable tools, or a workshop manual, i'll gaurantee you that there is not even a fire extiguisher worth its weight anywhere near to hand just incase the worst did happen.

But then, why should I care, its not my car, or my garage/ house, or my fingers, hands, arms or even my eyes (even without any fire) Carry on. As you were :)

[Sprocket]

Oh and if you do the math 1/2" = 12.8mm. Close enough when you're using a spanner that grips on the flats.

12.7mm actually. Thats nearly 0.012" difference, same as the clearance you set on the rockers, so yes, its Norra Batty stocking slack if you use a 13mm spanner on a 1/2" head bolt or nut, and since its the corners of the hex that take all the force, and not the flats, its east to see why bolts round off. Not only that but a baggy fit spanner will only slip and more often than not take your knuckes with it.

Not every spanner grips on the flats, thise that do are not your basic tools that most buy anyway.


Why should I care, you'll do what you want anyway

Edited by Sprocket, 01 January 2012 - 03:21 PM.

[conlad]

Wow. Using 13mm spanners causes fires now!!!

Oh and I know what I'm doing as well. Must do seen as it's my job and a Rolls Royce trained engineer with 50 years experience tells me I'm good at it.

Its not the spanner that starts fires, its those that do not respect petroleum spirit, and while OP is having trouble replacing what is essentially a simple task, with unsutable tools and no workshop manual, It could end it lots of smoke. Not having suitable tools, or a workshop manual, i'll gaurantee you that there is not even a fire extiguisher worth its weight anywhere near to hand just incase the worst did happen.

But then, why should I care, its not my car, or my garage/ house, or my fingers, hands, arms or even my eyes (even without any fire) Carry on. As you were :)

It may of been a 'simple task' - just something which took longer and was more arduos than first intended. I do have the correct tools and manuals etc too - dont know why you thought I didnt..?

Jesus everyoe chill the f*** out, its a spanner for god sake! And many on here find using a metric one on an AF bolt works fine, why the fuss? The end result is the same, just different ways of getting there. 'Setting fire' to things is drastic - I think that someone who is a 100% car novice with little tools may do that but how on earth can you say that just because someone uses a 13mm spanner on a 1/2'' nut/bolt?

Its all TMF is these days - people slating other peoples methods/ideas, why does it matter? Unless their face gets ripped off by something completely daft then it doesnt really matter at all.

/rant

Edited by ct16mini, 01 January 2012 - 04:04 PM.

[sonikk4]

Ok folks lets not get this into a heated debate, we all use different means and tools etc to get the results we need. Some of them may not be the way as described in the Haynes manual or any other type of manual but providing they are done in a safe manner the outcome should be the same.

Hopefully the OP has been careful when working on his fuel system at no point has he said otherwise. If you have something constructive to say then please do so. If not then please say nothing at all.

If you feel something is being done dangerously then please pm a moderator and let us deal with it rather than starting a bun fight. We are trying to keep things on an even keel on TMF with various things coming into play but we also need the members to act fairly and considerately.