17 replies to this topic

[mattg88]

Hello all,

 

This is my first attempt at  servicing my new car (bought it a week ago this Monday) and it's already decided it hates me. Got some long driving to do this weekend so I thought I'd play it safe and change the oil. I removed the sump plug and noticed there was some metal wrapped around the head of the bolt, assuming this was a bit of old washer I gave it no attention. I let the oil drain out and replaced the filter. Then it came to re-inserting the plug. The bolt went in, but then it got a stage where it didn't stop turning and it can move in and out a couple of mm. I take it that it has been repaired before with a helicoil but this must of broken up some how?

 

If there's anyone out there who can help me in any way, I would be eternally grateful. I'm in Kingston/Surbiton if any knows some one etc.

 

 

 

Not sure if the pics are clear enough, but the thread on the engine looks bare?

[minisilverbullet]

Probably the threads have been stripped, I dont think it has been a a helicoil gone wrong. 

 

Though you have a couple of options now

- helicoil

- Drill and retap the thread to a larger size, and buy a new plug

- not the perfect option, but people have used them http://www.minispare...|Back to search

[sherly]

Sounds like the threads have come out with the plug! Mine did exactly that.....

 

Can vouch for the tapered sump plug, they work well as a temp fix  - I'm using one as a fix until I get it repaired properly (heli-coiled). 

Edited by sherly, 01 August 2013 - 12:52 PM.

[mattg88]

Hmm, may have to use a tapered plug for the weekend until I can get it done properly. How long do they last for and would it be wise to use one for a long Journey, about 120 miles? I don't have the tools myself to drill out the remaining threads and to re thread it, so this may have to do.

[6joshh6]

Hmm, may have to use a tapered plug for the weekend until I can get it done properly. How long do they last for and would it be wise to use one for a long Journey, about 120 miles? I don't have the tools myself to drill out the remaining threads and to re thread it, so this may have to do.

I've got on and its been in there for 1000 miles so far with no problems. Only thing I suggest is to put plenty of PTFE tape by the head of the plug or you'll be losing loads of oil. Also, don't use a copper washer with it or it'll get truly knackered.

[maccers]

If you are in Kingston local places to get them would be MOSS near Hounslow, Wood and Pickett in Leatherhead, Mini Speed near Brooklands, or Mini Spares themselves but thats the furthest away if you have no other transport..!

[KernowCooper]

Be careful though with the PTFE tape and dont over do it you dont want bits of PTFE Tape in the oil and risk blocking a oil gallery and ruining the engine, If fitted correctly then they provide a means to a end and should not cause a problem on the trip you describe or many thousands of miles after.

 

Remember though when you fit the taper plug dont just wind it in! it has to be used exactly the same as a tap, wind 1/4 turn then back and this is continued until the thread is cut, and remember they dont wind in right up to the hexagon like the standard plug and if wound in with excess force to far you risk cracking the alloy gearbox casing

[mattg88]

Hey thanks for the advice everyone.

 

In the end I went to a little indie garage in Kingston, on Mill Street if any needs them. Paid £60 and got it re threaded and a new sump plug put in. All good with no leaks.

[KernowCooper]

Thats the way to do it and now your back to standard, not to bad a price I suppose for where you are.

Edited by KernowCooper, 01 August 2013 - 05:33 PM.

[jaydee]

Yes the threads have been well stripped..dont put PTFE on the tapered plug, theres no need at all.

Be carefull to engage the threads, and by how much the thread are stripped i can say the taper will tend to fit at an angle causing even more damage, so put a lot of attetion fitting this plug straight and ensure proper engagement. Dont overtighten.

[Captain Mainwaring]

Thats the way to do it and now your back to standard, not to bad a price I suppose for where you are.

 

I wouldn't count on it being standard - not that it matters - I'd guess they took it out to the next sump plug size which is why they gave him a new plug.

 

As for £60, I think it's a very fair price - I wouldn't want to do it for less

[Captain Mainwaring]

Yes the threads have been well stripped..dont put PTFE on the tapered plug, theres no need at all.

Be carefull to engage the threads, and by how much the thread are stripped i can say the taper will tend to fit at an angle causing even more damage, so put a lot of attetion fitting this plug straight and ensure proper engagement. Dont overtighten.

 

It may not seal without tape or loctite. I've seen plenty of taper fittings at high pressure and a sealant is generally required. If PTFE is used, it also serves as a lubricant and ensures that excessive force is not required to effect a seal.

[Captain Mainwaring]

Take it to your local engineering shop, they will fit a helicoil for you. You'll need to take some tools to jack it up outside there place and drain the oil. After they've done the job use the old oil to flush the engine through with the sump plug out. Afterwards replace the sump plug and refill with fresh oil...........

 

He already got it done - we'll have to ask him if they had their own jack.

[jaydee]

 

Yes the threads have been well stripped..dont put PTFE on the tapered plug, theres no need at all.

Be carefull to engage the threads, and by how much the thread are stripped i can say the taper will tend to fit at an angle causing even more damage, so put a lot of attetion fitting this plug straight and ensure proper engagement. Dont overtighten.

 

It may not seal without tape or loctite. I've seen plenty of taper fittings at high pressure and a sealant is generally required. If PTFE is used, it also serves as a lubricant and ensures that excessive force is not required to effect a seal.

 

 

Yeah, i'm agree if that was a pressure plug but the sump plug its not under high pressure, fitted a lot of these tapered plugs, they dont need ptfe to seal and dont even need to be really tight

As you said ptfe can be also a lubrificant to the threads, but then its have to be used by someone competent because if used wrongly can contaminate oil blocking galleries or damaging the gearbox, or, in the worst case, a non experienced person cant feel the thread engaging, fit the tapered at an angle and crossthread it even more

Worst bodge i've seen, was a sump drain hole blocked by a ball of silicone sealant though 

[maccers]

I've had to have my sump helicolied but oil still dripped out a bit, even after using new plug and washer, so I put some copper silicone seal on the threads near the nut head. It does not leak now, and leaves minimal trace that I can see when removed - hopefully if any does peel off it will end up in oil filter.