13 replies to this topic

[minipower101]

Hi everyone. Ive gone to change my oil, taken the plug out and it appears the small washer has broken.

What kind of washer is this and do you need a certain one.

Thanks

[Scott@minispeed]

The broken piece is not a washer, its part of the thread from the gearbox with some more remains under the head of the sump plug. Check the threads in the hole carefully to see if it will be safe to torque up again or if it will need heli-coiling. My gut feeling is that it should be reusable but you do need to check.

[Tamworthbay]

When you put it back in be VERY careful not to over tighten it. The reason for stripped threads is people doing them up so tight only a gorilla can undo them. Use a new copper washer (or anneal the old one on a gas burner by heating to cherry red then quenching in water) and you shouldn't get any leaks.

[minipower101]

Oh dear thanks a lot for the speady replies. Its a bit annoying really as I torqued it by the Haynes manual last time. What should I torque it to now?

Many thanks.

[Tamworthbay]

Oh dear thanks a lot for the speady replies. Its a bit annoying really as I torqued it by the Haynes manual last time. What should I torque it to now?
Many thanks.

Chances are it wasn't you, they tend to be abused over a period of time. I do them up by hand until they begin to feel tight, then between 1/8 and 1/4 turn with a spanner. After a few goes you will get a feel for it.

[dklawson]

There are two things I suggest you consider since you now have the beginning of thread damage on the sump.

 

The copper washer requires a bit of torque to seal as you have found and as Tamworthbay said.  Therefore, consider a couple of alternative seals instead of the copper washer.

 

My preference is what you in the U.K. call a Dowty seal (or washer).  It is a steel ring with a rubber seal bonded to its center.  They are commonly used with hydraulic hoses.  One for a 3/8" pipe fitting should fit the drain plug nicely.  You tighten them only as far as you need to to get metal to metal contact between the sump, plug, and bolt.  The rubber seal fills and seals the gaps with minimal torque and the rubber helps keep the bolt from loosening.  However, these work best when no thread damage has happened yet.

 

The second (alternative) suggestion is a nylon drain plug washer.  Go to the parts store and look for 14mm nylon, ribbed drain plug sealing washers.  Look for the type that has "ears" or "wing" of thin nylon material pointing towards the center of the hole.  Though 14mm should not fit the 5/8" thread of the Mini drain plug, the nylon washers with the wings can be made to thread onto the plug.  Like the Dowty seals, they squish with less torque to provide the seal you need.

[minipower101]

Great, thanks so much. At least I have a few options :) will let you know how I get on

Many thanks

[minipower101]

Hi again. Its been a while! I got a new washer and tried to do the bolt up but it wouldn't tighten. I've decided to go down the heli coil route. Would this sort of kit do the job? Do they vary in quality as the ones on the mini websites are a lot more.

Many thanks

http://pages.ebay.co...id=300918015632

[dklawson]

There are several coil-type thread inserts available.  I have not seen any difference in quality. 

 

the link you provided was for 3/8 size fasteners.  The one you want for the sump is much larger, 5/8-11 (UNC).  The larger kit is going to have a higher price and most kits do not come with the drill bit (more stuff to buy).

 

There has been another thread running recently that discusses some of the issues with installing HeliCoils.  It can be a DIY job when done with care but if you are uncertain and if the tools will be too expensive, you may want to call around and see if you can find a Mini specialist garage that can do this for you.

 

The link below is to a recent HeliCoil related thread (pun intended).

http://www.theminifo...rain-plug-size/

[minipower101]

Thanks. I did mean to put 5/8 but for some reason didn't :/ yes those kits are more.

Thanks for the link. I'm going to have a read :)

Jade

[minipower101]

Dragging this thread out now. Got my heli coil kit from Mini Sport and they didn't suppy the drill bit, even though there is a pic with a drill bit in the kit!!! ...And instructions refer to drill bit "included". :/

Anyway does anyone know if M12 is the right size to drill out the sump hole?

Thanks :)

[dklawson]

See the PDF table linked below (right hand columns, bottom of the page)

http://img.docstoccd...ig/90917354.png

 

The thread is 5/8-11 (UNC) and the table lists the tap drill as 21/32" (that's 0.656" or 16.7mm). 

[Carlos W]

Go back and ask the supplier to send you the correct drill bit if it's meant to be in the kit!

[minipower101]

Thanks :)