19 replies to this topic

[Mac1]

Hi all,

 

I am hoping one of you knowledgeable souls can help me out with an odd query on my 998 A plus.

 

I suspect that some of the bolts in my timing cover to engine plate are incorrect, as some of the ones that don't go into the block cant be tightened, leading to an oil leak.  I have had a quick loo, both in the Haynes manual and on the exploded drawing on a mini parts supplier.  Whilst it seems to be clear that there are two different sizes of bolt used on the cover, and that some of them require nuts as well, I cant see it listed anywhere which ones go where and how many of each you are supposed to have.

 

If anyone can help me out on this point I would be very grateful.

 

Kind regards,

 

Phil

[Ethel]

You shouldn't need nuts, 1/4unf screws to the plate, 5/16unf to the block.

 

Looking at the size of the holes in a gasket should tell you which go where http://www.minispare...ck to catalogue

 

If there are nuts it could be the threads in the plate have been stripped, or possibly the screws are just too long. Have the crank pulley fitted to centre the oil seal first, then tighten them all gradually to avoid distortion or crushing the gasket.

 

Another tip: probe the screw holes with something thin and pointy in case they've been filled by an overdose of instant gasket by a previous "technician".

[malynch27]

Thereis also a bit in the Haynes manual that tells you where the different ones go.  I think it is in the SPi/MPi section which is why you might not have found it.

[Spider]

Originally, there are no nuts used to hold the timing cover in place, only as Ethel has said, 1/4" and 5/16" UNF bolts.

 

The 1/4" ones are threaded in to the plate and it sounds like some of these may have stripped, in which case, you'll need to replace the front engine plate.

[whistler]

I've just dissembled an A+ 998 auto and there was one bolt that had a nut on it. I think it was the one just above the alternator bolt.

[RooBoonix]

I'm sure one of mine used a nut too, on my '94 SPi. But it wouldn't surprise me if it is due to stripped threads. I'll be reassembling mine using a nut if necessary.

[panky]

Yep one nut and bolt by the alternator on mine too. There is also one bolt, right at the top, that if it's a tiny bit too long will hit the block and push the plate away from the seating face and cause a leak.

[Spider]

There is one nut on the Alternator tensonier, but it doesn't hold the timing cover on or work with any gaskets.

Edited by Moke Spider, 15 April 2017 - 12:11 PM.

[RooBoonix]

There is one nut on the Alternator tensonier, but it doesn't hold the timing cover on or work with any gaskets.

 

ooh, I knew that...

 

 

I guess that'll be it then

[panky]

I think we both suffer from false memory syndrome

[Mac1]

Thanks for the advice all. Sadly it sounds like a new front plate may be on the horizon.

[Pigeonto]

Thanks for the advice all. Sadly it sounds like a new front plate may be on the horizon.

Don't go getting a new back plate (front plate lol  ) if you're thinking that the hole close to the alternator tensioner 3/8" bolt has stripped its thread.  That 5/16" unf setscrew which goes through the timing cover, (and gasket), on an A+ does indeed have a nut and spring washer 

Edited by Pigeonto, 15 April 2017 - 08:34 PM.

[tiger99]

Is there sufficient space to be able to drill and tap the 1/4" holes to 5/16"? Even if you had to buy a tap, tap wrench and drill, I think it would be much cheaper than getting a new plate.

[Carlos W]

I've got a 2nd hand plate on eBay at the moment

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...me=STRK:MESE:IT

[whistler]

I've just dissembled an A+ 998 auto and there was one bolt that had a nut on it. I think it was the one just above the alternator bolt.

I also have a spare metro 1275 and that uses a nut and bolt between the top and bottom alternator mounting holes.