17 replies to this topic

[petehuws]

Hi guys, thanks for the help so far.
My original posting seems to be evolving into Chinese whispers.
The problem I have is that x3 of the 5/16 UNC bolts that hold the OSF side DIF cover to the gearbox casing are just spinning in their threads causing a small oil leak between the side DIF cover, & gearbox casing. The three bolts are the ones that occasionally get used to attach a 3-bolt manifold bracket to, (lower of the three).
What I want to do is to jack up the car, remove the pot joint and then to remove the x5 bolts holding the DIF cover on and then remove that, I will then inspect, & attempt to replace the x3 believed damaged helicoil's for new ones. If successful I can then refasten the DIF side cover more securely to the gearbox; this is all to stop my oil-leak.
I don't plan to do anything with the DIF assy' itself I just want to repair the x3 helicoil's and seal up the DIF side cover correctly. Many thanks Pete

[Guess-Works.com]

For access, don't just remove the pot joint, remove the drive shaft completely, and also the exhaust... There's not a lot of room in there to work with a tap and handle, and the last thing you need to do is tap them on the piss. You also need access to get a drill and bit in there as well which is not too bad if using a air drill and short bit.

When putting the diff side cover back on, don't use anything other than the gasket provided, in an ideal world you should re shim, but this will involve taking the other side off and loosening the diff cover to repositioning the differential, at which point you may cause yourself even more leaks, it would be simpler to take the engine out and do it properly.

[petehuws]

Many thanks Guess-Works, yes I know access is tight, I was planning to remove the driveshaft & LCB/Exhaust but not the engine, however I think you could be correct in taking the engine out; I very well may do this and them I can re-shim correctly. Thanks for your time & knowledge! All the best Pete