Geoff,
Department of Outlandish Ideas ....
(1) It isn't anything like a small leak around the sump/block seal
dribbling down to the sump plug where it collects and forms a drip is it?
(After reading your replies this is my favourite - as is a possible rocker
cover leak running down the back of the engine and over the block/sump lip.
Wipe the sump with white spirit soaked rag to clean all dirt and oil away
then check on a daily or every time you drive basis)
(2) Throw the washer away and use a suitably sized 'O' ring. (My second
favourite once the above has been thoroughly checked and discounted.)
(3) A thick coat of old thick heat resistant grease around the plug and
washer (I hope it wasn't me that suggest this <smile>).
Guy R Day
A-H Sprite Mk IV
btw. Hylomar is a brand name that makes a type of thread sealer / instant
gasket etc. It is considered a quality product.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Geoff Branch" <gjbranch@comcast.net>
To: "Spidgets" <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 1:13 PM
Subject: I know they're supposed to leak, but......LONG
> Thanks to all for the replys. Here are most of them, with my responses.
> This
> leak has been going on for a long time....I've tried most everything.
> There
> were a number of replies suggesting thread sealant, but it seems to me
> that
> the sealing should be at the washer not the threads as these are NOT pipe
> threads.
>
> Is there a serious scratch on a mating surface ( no, not that mating
> surface )
> that the washer doesn't seal?
> Not that can be seen with my eyeballs.
>
> I wasn't tightening it, for fear of stripping it completely. Make sure it
> is
> seated all the way.
> This is an old Mini....the plug has already been helicoiled....so I too am
> nervous about reefing down on the plug too much, but my calibrated elbow
> tells
> me it's tight enough.
>
> A thick wad of teflon tape?
> Tried that. But these aren't pipe threads; so the sealing must be at the
> washer not the threads, right?
>
> Expanding rubber plug (NAPA, etc.) ??
> I've wondered about this route (root?)...but those things make me
> nervous....anyone use one?
>
> Is it the plug that's leaking, or is that just where some other leak is
> dripping off of, as the low point?
> Definetly the plug. No doubts in my mind. But I have a weak mind.
>
> A bit of Hylomar on the threads??
> What is this Hylomar, of which you speak, Georgie?
>
> Could it be a crack in the brazing that fixes the bung to the pan?
> No, because it's a Mini....cast pan. Haven't seen any cracks, or holes in
> the
> casting.
>
>
> Geoff Branch
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