15 replies to this topic

[Jimmyarm]

Hi All,

Changed my oil the other day and when I went to put the sump plug back in it didnt seem to screw in properly, i.e. it did up finer tight but if you put a socket on it it would just go around and around.

Its staying in place and doesnt leak but is this normal ? Do i need to get the sump plug thread helicoiled ?

PS. handy hint, previously there was a little drip of oil coming from the sump plug, despite the above, with a VERY small amount of Plumbers mate around the washer this has been resolved. I now have a mini without any oil leaks ! (touches wood very quickly).

[neil_g]

sounds like the thread has gone or maybe its already been heli-coiled and its spinning on the old threads?

needs looking at asap, if you lose your oil while driving its game over for the engine..

[Jimmyarm]

Bugger ! lol

Good idea about it already being helicoiled, it does feel a bit like it could be that. The thread on the plug is alright.

[Jimmyarm]

Bugger ! lol

Good idea about it already being helicoiled, it does feel a bit like it could be that. The thread on the plug is alright.

[ceejam]

If it's already been helicoiled (properly) the trhead wouldn;t spin.

Sounds just like the threads damaged and needs helicoiled.

Steel thread inserts in alloy actually give you a stronger thread than what was there originally!

[Jimmyarm]

I've looked for helicoils before but does anywhere do a kit for doing this as it must be a reasonably common problem ?

[ceejam]

Yes, but the kit is relatively expensive!

Find a Mini specialist with the correct kit, will be a lot cheaper than buying a kit!

[Jimmyarm]

Good point but where do you get the kit from if I cant find someone local to do it ?

[ceejam]

A tool store, or one of the bigger mini suppliers might stock them (although minispares don't list on website)

[Jimmyarm]

LOL , I though you knew a specific place to get them from. I found a few places last time that do kits.

Any idea what the thread size is ?

[ceejam]

LOL , I though you knew a specific place to get them from.

yes, Wilkinsons tool store in Edinburgh

It's UNC, 5/8 rings a bell!

[dklawson]

Call the folks at MiniSpares and ask them why they don't carry "TOOL08" which is the HeliCoil kit sold by their U.S. partner, MiniMania. Over here, the kit is $50 which I think would be around 25 GBP. That may sound expensive but if you bought the pieces individually... their total cost would be more than the kit.

[Jimmyarm]

Thanks Doc

[vasi]

MS do an alternative plug which I shall be trying soon as mine is stripped also.

http://www.minispare....aspx?pid=32968

[Dan]

I wouldn't put Plumbers Mait anywhere near my oil system personally. I don't like adding grinding paste to the sump.