12 replies to this topic

[pete l]

Hi all

What size spanner do I need to remove the bolts that hold the engine and gearbox together ?

9mm is too small and 10mm is too big !

I'm betting it's something imperial that I won't be able to find here in France

Pete.

[RooBoonix]

3/8" is around 9.5mm so it may be that!

[nicklouse]

IIRC 3/8"

 

but as just about every nut and bolt is imperial you should get some suitable tools.

[nicklouse]

and the two smaller bolts. some may have been changed as well,

[mikal]

7/16"

[Rob Gavin]

depending on the age, 3/8 or 7/16.  You cannot own a mini without an imperial set of spanners and sockets!

[Guess-Works.com]

depending on the age, 3/8 or 7/16.  You cannot own a mini without an imperial set of spanners and sockets!

 

You can own a mini, just not take it apart ;)

[dklawson]

I'm curious why these fasteners appear to be so small.

 

As far as I am aware, the standard size fastener between the gearbox and engine would be 1/4" diameter.   Some people do re-tap the components so they can use larger5/16" fasteners.

 

The fastener is specified by its diameter and pitch, in this case the stock size should be 1/4" diameter.  However, the nuts on those studs and heads on those bolts would be 7/16" across the flats (which is the way wrenches are specified).  7/16" is very close to 11mm so 10mm should not be "too big".  

 

3/8" across the flats would be the "standard" size for a #10 fastener (0.189" diameter).  I've never seen studs and bolts that small used at the engine to gearbox joint.  Has anyone seen such small fasteners used on the engine to gearbox?

[Guess-Works.com]

The A+ screws/bolts are flange headed and don't use a washer, so use a smaller spanner, they are still 1/4" UNF.

[pete l]

OK, it's a 1997 MPI, up til now I've only found metric nuts and bolts. Is there a mixture on these engines ?

 

Pete.

[pothole]

You may only think its metric as 1/2" is very close to 13mm

[dklawson]

Thanks for the explanation John.  I didn't know later cars used flanged washers and/or flanged bolts.

 

Pete, as Pothole said, the fasteners will all be inch, not metric.  You will find most are UNF/UNC types but there are a few unique things like BA threads.  The spark plug threads are metric but the hex on the spark plug isn't.  Later cars had some metric threads on the brake lines... but I think their hex can still use a 7/16" or 11mm wrench.  I think the Schrader valves used in tire valve stems are metric also.  That's all I can think of that would be Metric on a Mini.

[pete l]

Thanks for the replies 

 

Just ordered a set of imperial spanners that should arrive today ready for the weekend.

 

Pete