14 replies to this topic

[miniallsort]

where is it ??? and how do you get the dam fing off grrrrrr >

[Pooky]

the sump plug is on the left of the gearbox sump as you look at it (the big bolt head toward the front.)

They should undo with a normal socket (unsure of size) if not get a bit of leverage with a bit of metal tube.

Have the container to catch the oil in ready, and undo the last couple of turns by hand and keep it pushed into the hole.

and watch out for oil going up your sleeve lol

[Bungle]

bottom left corner as you look at the engine

[will.i.am]

i know this is sumone elses thread but my sump plug is leakin,it is tight,could it be the metal washer??

[Big_Adam]

you normaly have to take the bottom engine stedy too.

then big arse ajusty spanner and take it out. from the front of the lay on the floor so your head is toward the left of the car. big bolt down there.

i know this is sumone elses thread but my sump plug is leakin,it is tight,could it be the metal washer??

clear it all off the oil that is. then stick a bit of paper end the plug on the floor. leave it underneth then cheack again to see if it is leeking. if it is then look to see if you put the washer on. its either brass or copper. i think you can also get plastic one. if you can take the plug back out and see if the washer looks mangled and batted up. if so replace it. if not then it could be the thread in the sump.......in which case i have no idea what to do but someone will.

[m1n1]

[attachment=13869:attachment]PTFE plumbers tape over the threads might be of help. that and a new washer.

[AlexM]

I believe it is 24mm if that helps.

[minislapper]

No, no, no, minis do not use sockets or spanners in mm. You will strip the head of the bolt, ruin your socket/spanner and run the risk of injury from it slipping off the bolt/nut. You need a 15/16" socket.

You don't need to remove anything else such as engine steadies. There is nothing else in the way. You should just be able to remove it using a socket and normal ratchet. To loosen it you will need to pull the ratchet up towards you. (I only remember this as I ALWAYS end up smacking my forearm off the front panel!!!!!)

It's not a difficult job. Make sure you have a container ready and make sure the engine, and therefore the oil, is warm. It often helps to jack up the passenger side of the car too.

Don't forget to change the oil filter at the same time.

[miniallsort]

ok thanks alot people

[Dan]

No, no, no, minis do not use sockets or spanners in mm.

Sometimes they do. The designs been changed a lot in 41 years and lots of the later parts are metric. You need both to work on Minis.

[dklawson]

24mm is only 0.007" [0.2mm] bigger than 15/16". You're not going to damage anything by using a 24mm wrench on 15/16". If it really worries you, stick with a 6-point socket.

As for the leak.... I have switched to a bonded rubber/metal seal on my car (MotorMite part number 365269) This is a metal ring with a thicker rubber ring in the center. It's officially a 14mm seal but it works wonderfully. You snug up the drain plug and it seals without excessive torque. These are ideal if you've got a scored or otherwise damaged sealing face on the sump. If you can't find these, supply houses over here sell ribbed nylon drain plug washers (also 14mm) that also work well. I'm sure you'll find similar products in the U.K.

[mini-mad-dan]

just a usefull tip if you use a ratchet to undo the last turns (do not use a ratchet for the first turns) tie either a cable tie or string to about 1/4 way down from the head of the ratchet and the oil won't run down your hand or up your sleeve, but down into the bowl-thingy

[minimole]

the times i have destroyed my wrist on the number/front panel. i use a longer rachet now

[Tom Sanderson]

I believe it is 24mm if that helps.

thats right but i am sure it supposed to be the imperial equivelent

[Bam]

I always change the washer and i change my oil every 6,000 miles. It is worth changing the washer to provent it leaking, i have to remove my sump guard every time. Also i use a 24mm spanner.

Use a uni part oil filter.