9 replies to this topic

[buxvan]

 DSC05315.JPG   2.26MB   40 downloadsREBUILT MY ENGINE DURING THE WINTER (total rebuild with amongst other things, all new core plugs & got it all finished.
put it in my clubvan & now all the hoses are connected i filled up the cooling system.
that was a week ago, i have not run the engine yet, but yesterday i noticed the middle core plug has a small leak. when i fitted them i thoroughly cleaned the holes & used a socket to get the plugs in nice & straight. i did not use any sealer, goo, hermitite etc because i was told to put them in without any.

any suggestions please ?

by the way, does anyone know what my fan came from ? the engine is from an 87 mg metro. (the blades are on springs which must change the pitch as the engine speed increases (like the advance springs in the dizzy)

Edited by buxvan, 13 December 2011 - 04:00 PM.

[klivins]

mine just fell out when first started. Using exact diameter metal piece slightly bend out plugs edge, and fit them back. Worked!

[buxvan]

bought a new coreplug from minispeed yesterday but they gave me a 41mm diameter size one. thats too big !

[Notay]

mark evans from tv used a non setting gasket to help set the plugs in place - i wonder if something similar would help. Check his video out here on replacing core plugs:


also I think 41mm is for cooper s - http://www.minispare...ty=pb&pid=35545
you probably want this one - http://www.minispare...ty=pb&pid=34657

[Frisco]

Indeed a smear of hylomar helps

[MiniLuke]

I had one pop out whilst driving, water went everywhere.

I found the plug and realised it hadn't been bashed in the middle enough to "spread" it outward and create a seal, so by putting it back (after searching up the road for about half an hour to find it!!) and giving it a good thump it's been ok since.

That was on an A series though, not sure it they are the same on A+

[Dan]

There are 2 types of plugs, early domed ones that can be hit a bit harder to reseat them if they weep, and later cup type that need to be removed and reseated if they weep.

To be honest if it's just weeping a bit, it may well seal itself up over a few weeks as grot builds up in the system. Then again it may fail on the motorway. I've had that twice, it's not as drastic as it sounds providing you still have the plug and turn the engine off fairly soon.

The fan you have is not OE, it's called a Doughty Aero-Fan or something like that. It was a common '60s tuning mod. As you suggest it feathers itself at high engine speed. They are fairly good, I have one sitting around here somewhere. Noisy though, and not great if your car is doing high revs at low speed. Like if you have the wrong gear set fitted or are towing or climbing mountains or something like that which means you use a low gear for a long time.

[buxvan]

well, minispeed sent me a correct sized core plug & i removed the old (new) one & fitted the new (new) one.
added a bit of hylomar for good measure before fitting.
filled up with water, blew into the radiator & hey presto, a droplet of water appeared.
don't know what to do now.

thanks for the replies

[tiger99]

Fortunately new core plugs are not too expensive, so it is not a major disaster to remove it yet again. I would be inclined to take it out, and very carefully clean the hole in which it fits with abrasive paper till the metal is completely clean, looking for any damage, and in particular, cracks, which would be bad news. Make sure the hole is spotlessly clean, and try not to get abrasive into the waterways, as it might reach the pump seals. A rotary wire brush might be safer.

If there are any minor flaws in the casting (not cracks), I would be inclined to try a bit of epoxy. Otherwise, a hard setting gasket cement, and fit the new plug carefully. Let the gasket cement set for a while before filling with water. Heat from something like a hair dryer might be useful.

[dklawson]

I have never installed core plugs dry. As above, I have cleaned the holes with either wire brushes and/or sandpaper to remove all traces of paint, rust, and previous sealers. I typically apply a thick, non-hardening gasket sealer on the lip of the seal AND the hole before seating the plug. I have acquaintances who have used epoxy instead of gasket sealer. I have also seen epoxy recommended in a non-Mini engine building book. Since you have experienced two weeping failures, I would inspect the hole carefully as suggested above and opt for the epoxy next time you try to seat the plug.