7 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

Having trouble getting my hands on a sump plug washer (over in Sweden) I bought on from the Halfords equivalent but I am certain it is too small, despite their computer system saying it is correct. the inner diameter is about 13/mm, plus it isnt flat it is a ring with a rubber ring 'core'.

What is the correct size to use?

Also are there another make of car which I can use the washer from, I have read before the old mondeo?

Cheers

[tiger99]

A bonded rubber seal, commonly known as a Dowty seal in the UK, is perfectly ok, and they come in many sizes. I have the feeling that it is more than 13mm. The spanner size, as far as I recall, is 15/16", which makes the thread normally 5/8", so a 16mm seal should fit.

[minisilverbullet]

Thanks for that! In the end i just took the old one the shop and matched one up.

First oil change i have done on the mini. And it all went smoothly! Even manage to get the filter of with the proper tool!

I might need to rethink how my spots and fogs are wired through the grill though, was a pain to remove the lights and the bar then spilt the wiring.

Edited by minisilverbullet, 23 June 2012 - 08:23 PM.

[dklawson]

In the future, if you get the Dowty seal that Tiger mentioned, you will be happy with it. They require less torque to seal and that can prolong the life of the threads in the gearbox sump.

Over here I cannot get the right size sealing washer either. If you buy a drain washer (nylon or bonded metal/rubber) sized for a 14mm plug, it can be made to work. It really should be larger.. as large as 16mm inside diameter. However, I have never seen one that large over here. The 14mm washers work but you have to thread them onto the drain plug, they will not just slip over like the factory copper washer.

[mini-luke]

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item51884a1248

That's a good few oil changes worth!

[minisilverbullet]

Good tips guys! The replacement i used was a bit slimer, but it isnt leaking, so must be ok.

Th one i was supplied wasnt actually a dowty washer, it looked like a wedding band (capper allround but the core was rubber.)

A side question, how tight is tight enough for the sump plug. i nipped it up with a spanner but I could go even tighter.

[mini-luke]

Good tips guys! The replacement i used was a bit slimer, but it isnt leaking, so must be ok.

Th one i was supplied wasnt actually a dowty washer, it looked like a wedding band (capper allround but the core was rubber.)

A side question, how tight is tight enough for the sump plug. i nipped it up with a spanner but I could go even tighter.

If it's not leaking I'd leave it alone, no need to risk stripping something.

[dklawson]

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item51884a1248

That's the right idea but the wrong size. The washers in the link are being specified by pipe size. 5/8 BSP is a lot larger than 5/8". To fit the Mini drain plug you would want washers sized for 3/8 BSP.

As mentioned above, do NOT put excessive torque on the drain plug. If you are using the bonded seal, just tighten until you have metal to metal contact. If you are using a 100% metallic drain plug washer, tighten it firmly and look for leaks. Only tighten more if a drip is seen.