17 replies to this topic

[mx5nut]

I was in the process of installing my new LCB and exhaust, when I noticed that the bottom-most bolt on my diff cover is completely missing and the previous LCB was not braced to anything.

I have the correct bracket now for my new LCB, but need to know what bolt to purchase for the diff cover. I have already tried to search the forum and the websites of the main parts vendors, but am still unsure of what bolt to purchase.

Do any of you happen to know the correct bolt size? Is it a common size and thread pitch that I can quickly get from a hardware store or Amazon, or is it something specific that I need to get from a Mini parts vendor?

[floormanager]

Pretty certain its 5/16 UNC, about 1 1/4" long.  I think there's theories about whether or not to use the fixing of the exhaust to the side of the diff (rocking of the engine stressing things).  Personally, I do not use that mount.

 

Paul

[sonscar]

I find if you use that mount water stays on top of it and rots out the exhaust.Of course if you do not much drive in the wet this may not worry you.I have not used it for 10 years of more and nothing bad has happened.Steve..

[mx5nut]

I find if you use that mount water stays on top of it and rots out the exhaust.Of course if you do not much drive in the wet this may not worry you.I have not used it for 10 years of more and nothing bad has happened.Steve..

So no bracing or other attachment between bolts to engine and the Y-piece?

[sonscar]

I cannot say whether it is a good idea to copy this yourself but I have not run one for 10years or so since welding the Y piece back up when less than two years old,Steve..

[nicklouse]

You don’t want a bolt there. Use a stud and nut.

but I would not mount it.

[nicklouse]

Don’t. But if you have to use a stud and nut.

 

the info can be found on MiniSpares web page.

[nicklouse]

http://www.minispare...ic/GFK5234.aspx

[mx5nut]

Really interesting that everyone who responded so far says not to mount or use the bracket. Not that I discount what anyone has said, just not the responses I expected and I admit my own relative naivete as I get back into Minis after a long hiatus.

So if I don’t use the bracket and don’t weld the Y-piece on, are the existing Y-piece clamps with an exhaust paste or sealer going to be enough to prevent leaks in the long term?

I think I may be a bit OCD about some of these details, but it is because I am trying to do right by this car every step of the way. I actually used to own this car about 10 years ago and so much if my time is being spent correcting bad repairs or dealing with insanely deferred maintenance, that I don’t want to perpetuate any of the crap that happened when the PO had the car.

[I hate Brian]

No-one has said what they use as an alternative ?

[sonscar]

Nothing at all,it holds itself in place quite nicely.Steve..

[floormanager]

Ditto, nothing

[Spider]

When braced to the Gearbox, all I've ever noticed happens is it wrecks an otherwise good gearbox, though, those fitted with the Remote Shifter are less prone to this occurring because the Remote is quite long and so braces the engine 'tighter', so the rocking between the top and bottom of the engine tends to be less that with other set ups, all the same, I wouldn't be bolting it up here.

[nicklouse]

Really interesting that everyone who responded so far says not to mount or use the bracket. Not that I discount what anyone has said, just not the responses I expected and I admit my own relative naivete as I get back into Minis after a long hiatus.

So if I don’t use the bracket and don’t weld the Y-piece on, are the existing Y-piece clamps with an exhaust paste or sealer going to be enough to prevent leaks in the long term?

I think I may be a bit OCD about some of these details, but it is because I am trying to do right by this car every step of the way. I actually used to own this car about 10 years ago and so much if my time is being spent correcting bad repairs or dealing with insanely deferred maintenance, that I don’t want to perpetuate any of the crap that happened when the PO had the car.

I would and don’t use the supplied clamps and I don’t use the U type either but the ones that go the whole way around. I forget the name just now.

[Spider]

but the ones that go the whole way around. I forget the name just now.

 

Hose Clamp on Steroids.