13 replies to this topic

[Darwinism]

Hi all,

 

So after a drawn out top half rebuild due to a warped head I was very excited to get home today, fill her up and turn it over, sit back and admire my hard work ;) When I went to put the sump plug in it wouldn't tighten, on removal it had half the thread on the magnetic point, how can I tell if this is a replacement coil from a previous owner or if this is damage to the original thread? The bits that came out were about 1cm long and curved, that makes me think it might be a replacement coil...

 

Looks like my options are a tapered screw:

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

 

or a helicoil kit which isn't cheap at all for what it is:

https://www.minispor...-screws-in.html

 

 

Which is the best option long term?

 

Thanks.

 

If there's anybody in the Leeds area that has a repair kit I could borrow that would be fantastic, a long shot I know but if you don't ask...

 

Edit...upon thinking back I definitely caused the damage by over tightening, a rookie mistake.

Edited by Darwinism, 20 September 2016 - 11:45 PM.

[AgentHubcap]

Helicoil would be my first choice.

[sledgehammer]

http://www.ebay.co.u...REAAOSweW5U2PpA

 

anyone had experience of these , (temporary fix)

[tiger99]

Don't use it. It does not give the vital protection provided by the magnet.

The only problem with Helicoils is getting them in truly perpendicular to the sealing face of the casing so the washer can make a good seal. It may be necessary to use a modern bonded rubber washer (try Ford Focus). If the transmission is stripped, the whole thing can be done in a machine shop and the Helicoil tap can be screwed in with the case clamped firmly down on the machine table on one of its accurate faces so the thread ends up truly perpendicular. It is doable in a pillar drill (turning by hand for the tapping, the machine just providing accurate guidance) with the casing clamped down on the face where the end housing carrying the speedo drive etc fits.

If the transmission is dismantled the best thing would be to get a steel top hat bush made up and screwed in permanently with the appropriate grade of Loctite, the standard plug then screwing into the steel bush. Or, an ali top hat bush can be welded in.

Please don't even consider a tapered thread plug, as every time it is used the casing will distort even more.

This is such a common problem that I am trying to think of a way of doing it properly in the car, ie some kind of jig that gets the Helicoil truly perpendicular to the seal face. Certain other parts on various vehicles also need accurate drilling for Helicoil repairs. I can see a nice little earner for someone. I have a few ideas about how it might be done.

[Richie83]

I had mine Helicoiled in the end. I don't like the look of that temporary fix. I know minispares sell a self cutting plug that will act as a temporary repair. But it's a one shot deal until the next oil change.

[Spider]

Post No. 7 here is how i fix them;-

 

http://www.theminifo... time#8208sert=

[Dusky]

It has to be a replacement coil from a previous owner. The standard case is alloy and would not stick to the magnet

[Darwinism]

It has to be a replacement coil from a previous owner. The standard case is alloy and would not stick to the magnet

Thanks Dusky this was confusing me, so could I not just buy a replacement coil???

 

 

 

Post No. 7 here is how i fix them;-

 

http://www.theminifo... time#8208sert=

I read this thread before posting it was good stuff but I'm afraid I don't have the skills that you do.

 

The only problem with Helicoils is getting them in truly perpendicular to the sealing face of the casing so the washer can make a good seal. It may be necessary to use a modern bonded rubber washer (try Ford Focus).

I won't be taking the sump/transmission out if I can help it at all, quite a few people seem to have had good results with the helicoil whilst the sump is in place, however if it's just a replacement thread that's dislodged then I'm hoping it will be a easier fix altogether. 

[Darwinism]

I had mine Helicoiled in the end. I don't like the look of that temporary fix. I know minispares sell a self cutting plug that will act as a temporary repair. But it's a one shot deal until the next oil change.

Out of interest did you remove the sump to do this?

 

I'm looking at the time sert kits, would it be M16 x 1.5 that i need or is it a M20?

 

If i buy the kit from minispares I will apparently need a drill bit, can someone confirm the size, possibly 16.5mm..., and if I can use a bog standard cordless drill.

Edited by Darwinism, 20 September 2016 - 11:41 PM.

[Dusky]

It has to be a replacement coil from a previous owner. The standard case is alloy and would not stick to the magnet

Thanks Dusky this was confusing me, so could I not just buy a replacement coil???
 
 
 [ 

Depends, got a pic of how the hole looks now?

[Darwinism]

 

 

It has to be a replacement coil from a previous owner. The standard case is alloy and would not stick to the magnet

Thanks Dusky this was confusing me, so could I not just buy a replacement coil???
 
 
 [ 

Depends, got a pic of how the hole looks now?

 

[olly33]

Same on the casing I have in the temp engine in the mini now. Drilled hole slightly larger and retapped it and got a larger sump plug bolt to match. No leaks as of yet. Engine was out tho,and done with cordless drill.

[Darwinism]

Just wanted to tie up this topic. In the end I phoned around and found only one company that was willing to come out to me and helicoil the sump in situ, he had some quality kit and did a great job, it cost £70 so for the peace of mind of having a professional do it and the fact it's hopefully a one time thing I thought it was a better option than buying a kit of a similar price and potentially (probably) hacking at it and making it worse. He was really careful about the swarf too, on flushing the system on the tiniest little bits came out. Also because I broke the bolt on the tie rod (http://www.theminifo...el-bolt-seized/

) his first trip was fruitless so he made 2 visits, he must of been on the road for a hour and spent another 90mins with me and the car, on a Saturday too, top bloke. Problem solved, thanks everyone for your help.

[tiger99]

Not a bad price for any kind of professional job!