mk1-forum.net

If you'd ordered one from Minimania, you'd have it by now

mk1 wrote:Having had a google about I can now answer my own question.

A "Time-sert" is a solid thread repair insert.

I have not used these, but have made many similar inserts & can see no reason why they shouldn't be as good if not better than a helicoil.

Just seen this.

Helicoils are OK, but need to be tapped dead square and then wound in a few thou just below the sealing face that the copper washer sits on. If these are not done, they will drip.

These days I use Time-serts. Much better, easier to do in-situ and can be sealed. The benefit is that instead of screwing the plug in to aluminum, it's steel and likewise the sealing washer is on steel, so you won't pull the threads out again - ever.

After you get the threads sorted, consider an alternative to the crush washer.
I use a part similar to the 365274 series of washers shown on this page:
http://www.dormanproducts.com/c-532-oil ... pagenum=14
I'm pretty sure it's for a 14mm plug and it'll screw right on to the Mini's sump plug. Good for 3-4 oil changes before it starts looking ratty. The rubber o-ring seciton eliminates the need to "go gorrilla" on the torque to get a good seal.
I would think something like this is available over there.

Evening chaps,

Thanks for your help,
I used a Helicoil with good result.
I would have prefered a Time Sert insert, but by the time I had an answer from the local retailer, I had the Helicoil in hand.

Thanks again,
Etienne