39 replies to this topic

[danny2009]

Don't remove the square head bolt until you have determined (at least in part) how you are going to handle the situation. If you damage something removing the bolt, you should be somewhat mentally prepared for how you will fix things.

HeliCoils are the standard sump drain fix. It's easier to do with the engine out, however, it can be done with the engine in place.

As for getting the square head bolt out, strike the head of the bolt like it was a nail. The goal here is to shock the joint and hopefully free the surfaces that have probably galled together. Do not count on the WD-40 or other penetrating oil to get in there. Consider what this is... it's a bolt being used as a drain plug. However it was installed, the person who did it made sure oil wouldn't leak out around it... so your WD-40 isn't going to get "in" either.

After some squarely placed hammer blows, use a large open end wrench on the square head. Don't jump on the wrench or simply try to loosen it. Turn it "in", then "out". Work in small arcs as it breaks free so you hopefully don't pull out a big wad of aluminum when it comes free. I think you will find this easier to do (and safer) if you jack up the right-front corner of the car as high as you can and place it on stands. The clearance to the ground will give you more room to work. Keep in the back of your mind that the bolt will unscrew counterclockwise and that almost every Mini owner who changes their own oil has cut or badly bruised themselves on the front/nose panel when the sump plug suddenly breaks free. Leave room for yourself so you don't whack your hand.

i went down and saw my mini specialist and he said to take it out but the treads willhave been damaged so this bolt is in place also he said that if i cant get another bolt to fit in the treads heli coil is the only way

[danny2009]

Unless you have access to the right tools for the job I suggest going down the gym twice a day untill your able to undo bolts with your fingers

ha ha yeah think next door mite have one of those monkey wrench things ill c if i can borrow it lol

[danny2009]

still ant got it off with all the methods suggested any others

[taffy1967]

Hi,

I think i am right in that post 1984 the majority were already unleaded? My '85 mayfair is although it is possible it was converted by a previous owner if this is not the case! I'm sure somebody will be along soon to correct me if i am wrong!!!

Matt.

Ere nope. Minis didn't get hardened inserts fitted until late 1989. I believe the Mini 30 LE was one of the first Minis to be unleaded compatible and came with the option of a catalyst.

[danny2009]

Hi,

I think i am right in that post 1984 the majority were already unleaded? My '85 mayfair is although it is possible it was converted by a previous owner if this is not the case! I'm sure somebody will be along soon to correct me if i am wrong!!!

Matt.

Ere nope. Minis didn't get hardened inserts fitted until late 1989. I believe the Mini 30 LE was one of the first Minis to be unleaded compatible and came with the option of a catalyst.

so what will happen if i use unleadded fuel

[998dave]

Hi,

I think i am right in that post 1984 the majority were already unleaded? My '85 mayfair is although it is possible it was converted by a previous owner if this is not the case! I'm sure somebody will be along soon to correct me if i am wrong!!!

Matt.

Ere nope. Minis didn't get hardened inserts fitted until late 1989. I believe the Mini 30 LE was one of the first Minis to be unleaded compatible and came with the option of a catalyst.

so what will happen if i use unleadded fuel

Nothing for a while, then your valve seats will soften and eventually fail.

I'd go for use unleaded and every now and again put some lead replacement additive in the tank, will be fine.
Or change to an unleaded cylinder head, of a metro.

As for the bolt, Helicoil may turn out to be the only way, You could drill it out and retap / helicoil, but it'll be a pain.

Dave

[NETTY]

hi there, with great interest I have read your post. Our Mini is 1989 and for the first time in 2 years (or so) we drove her to the mot station. Even though there was fresh unleaded fuel in the tank she spluttered and struggled all the way to the centre so i tried the additive you can get and so far so good. But the thing I would like to know is does anyone know if this would have affected the emissions. Failed on emissions and due to go back for retest so does anyone know what I can do to lower them? I as in mum of 3, completely no mechanical knowledge but work in a garage where they are reluctant to look at the mini because I think anything that doesnt plug in to the diagnostics machine baffles them.!

[danny2009]

Hi,

I think i am right in that post 1984 the majority were already unleaded? My '85 mayfair is although it is possible it was converted by a previous owner if this is not the case! I'm sure somebody will be along soon to correct me if i am wrong!!!

Matt.

Ere nope. Minis didn't get hardened inserts fitted until late 1989. I believe the Mini 30 LE was one of the first Minis to be unleaded compatible and came with the option of a catalyst.

so what will happen if i use unleadded fuel

Nothing for a while, then your valve seats will soften and eventually fail.

I'd go for use unleaded and every now and again put some lead replacement additive in the tank, will be fine.
Or change to an unleaded cylinder head, of a metro.

As for the bolt, Helicoil may turn out to be the only way, You could drill it out and retap / helicoil, but it'll be a pain.

Dave

thanks i only 16 so i dont think ill attempt the heli coil lol, i have had a work with mty mini specialist and he said its expensive hw much is expensive, i have only put bwt 3/4 of one of them petrol can full of unleaded will this damage the engine

[danny2009]

http://i39.photobuck...08/SN850793.jpg
http://i39.photobuck...08/SN850794.jpg
http://i39.photobuck...08/SN850796.jpg

this is some piks of the new but not so improved sump plug lol any ideas

Edited by gerrard, 02 September 2008 - 05:41 PM.

[danny2009]

any ideas apreciated i am stuck for ideas

[danny2009]

any ideas at all i need this out

Edited by gerrard, 02 September 2008 - 06:03 PM.

[danny2009]

ani ideas any need to get it out to drain oil, ill end up drilling a new sump plug otherwise

[danny2009]

help!!!

[Mattl]

Get a cheap 2nd hand engine (unleaded) and gearbox and just throw it in and put your lump on ebay!

Failing that get someone with a welder to weld something to the sump plug so you can turn it. You might not have one yourself but surely you must know someone with the welder or at least some semi decent tools.

Be patient as well...3 posts in the last half hour asking for help? lol