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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - timing chain cover

Hi
i have a leak from the bottom of the timing cover - one of the holes for the smaller screws into the into the engine plate is stripped - is there any issue with just tapping it out to the larger 5/16 dia and using a 5/16 x 3/8 screw
Thanks
S G Macfarlane

which engine
mark heyworth

Can't help with the original Q but your other option is a helicoil. Easy and effective.
Greybeard

It's a 1275
Don't you have to tap for a heli coil anyway?
Just not sure why the holes to the engine plate were smaller than those to the block in the first place

S G Macfarlane

Helicoils are handy when you need to retain the diameter as for a stud etc but probably over the top on this occasion. Especially when I have the necessary taps to hand
S G Macfarlane

I think they used 1/4” UNF as it was just going into the thin steel plate, rather than the block, which has a much deeper hole.

As such, I can’t see a helicoil working in the thin plate.

What I did with my brother’s engine was to weld up the holes, then drill and re-tap.

ISTR that one of my race engines also had that problem and had been fitted with longer screws, with nuts behind. A bit of a fiddle to fit, but effective.

Good job I proofread before posting, as ‘helicoil’ had become helicopter!!!
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks Dave - Ill try cutting a larger thread, if that doesn't work ill use a nut. Engines coming out to sort a leaking gearbox tail seal at the same time so not too fiddly - I did manage to get a 3/8 nut and screw into position with the engine etc in place but it wasn't up to the job.
S G Macfarlane

This thread was discussed between 24/07/2018 and 25/07/2018

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