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MG MGB Technical - Betson bolt

After a summer of use the rear welch plug failed again. Has anyone used a Betson bolt? How difficult is it to install?

George
G.E. Bulwinkle

Apparently a jolly-sight easier than removing the engine. Google 'Betson Bolt', loads of references with pictures.
Paul Hunt

The Betson Bolt is in. It took two of us to install it.
G.E. Bulwinkle

In? Did you leave it there? I was under the impression that it was a device for installing the core plug, then removed.
Paul Hunt

I got the impression it was intended to stay there, particularly with the washer machined to locate in the hole. Seems a bit of a waste of machining.
Dave O'Neill 2

It was, as originally developed, designed to stay in place to prevent the core plug from shooting out if it loosened. I used a piece of 1/4" thick steel, about 1" wide and 3" long, drilled and tapped it, placed it in front of the engine plate, turned in a bolt until it contacted the rear core plug, then epoxied the bolt in place. Has worked well for ten plus years.

Les
Les Bengtson

It's best to leave it in place as an insurance policy against the plug coming out again. RAY
rjm RAY

Put the bolt in and tightened it down to dimple the welch plug. The only machining on the washer, an intake manifold washer, was tapping for one inch 3/8 UNF bolt. Don' t see any harm in leaving it in.
G.E. Bulwinkle

Test drive. No leaks!
G.E. Bulwinkle

This thread was discussed between 14/11/2014 and 29/11/2014

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