Drivetrain OBX/SuperSprint Gasket Replacement
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 10,340
Likes: 4
From: Woodside, CA
OBX/SuperSprint Gasket Replacement
Sorry, no photos.... It was hot and I didn't want to take to long, but some hints none the less....
Getting gaskets. Supersprint stocks them for $14.95 plus shipping and handling (e-mail the sales department), or you can get in touch with JIMZ68, and he'll send you one for $15 shipped. (I had Jim get me two so I have on in the tool box).
If you double nutted like I did, spray some penetrant on the bolts and leave them sit for a bit. This worked fine for me.... Jim did his with SS fasteners, and hasn't had any problems.
The one real issue in getting the new gasket in is there isn't much space between the exhaust pipe and the header. I undid the bolt in the larger end of the lower engine mount, and then used a 1/2" long extension to force the lower end of the motor towards the bumper and give me more room. I also had to push back on the cat to get final clearance required, but then the gasket goes right in. This will keep you from having to drop the mid-exhaust support plate to get enough room to put the gasket in without chewing it up. But either way works.
Like all manuals say, reverse previous steps and you're good to go!
Now, as far as root cause analysis, I can see a lot of cracking on my stock Mini rubber engine mounts. I'm thinkin' that the engine can move more than it used to, and this extra motion is chewing up the gasket faster. So if yours is shot, take a look at all the rubber mounts. Jimz68 used poly engine mount bushing thinggies, and his engine motion is greatly reduced. I'll be ordering stock replacements for mine, can't decide on the poly....
Anyway, if you need a gasket, PM Jim and tell him I sent ya! Or e-mail Supersprint sales.... Personally, I vote for Jim cause he's a good guy!
Matt
Getting gaskets. Supersprint stocks them for $14.95 plus shipping and handling (e-mail the sales department), or you can get in touch with JIMZ68, and he'll send you one for $15 shipped. (I had Jim get me two so I have on in the tool box).
If you double nutted like I did, spray some penetrant on the bolts and leave them sit for a bit. This worked fine for me.... Jim did his with SS fasteners, and hasn't had any problems.
The one real issue in getting the new gasket in is there isn't much space between the exhaust pipe and the header. I undid the bolt in the larger end of the lower engine mount, and then used a 1/2" long extension to force the lower end of the motor towards the bumper and give me more room. I also had to push back on the cat to get final clearance required, but then the gasket goes right in. This will keep you from having to drop the mid-exhaust support plate to get enough room to put the gasket in without chewing it up. But either way works.
Like all manuals say, reverse previous steps and you're good to go!
Now, as far as root cause analysis, I can see a lot of cracking on my stock Mini rubber engine mounts. I'm thinkin' that the engine can move more than it used to, and this extra motion is chewing up the gasket faster. So if yours is shot, take a look at all the rubber mounts. Jimz68 used poly engine mount bushing thinggies, and his engine motion is greatly reduced. I'll be ordering stock replacements for mine, can't decide on the poly....
Anyway, if you need a gasket, PM Jim and tell him I sent ya! Or e-mail Supersprint sales.... Personally, I vote for Jim cause he's a good guy!
Matt
Matt,
Thanks a lot for sharing the gasket source. Mine's not leaking (yet), but for 15 bucks I'll put one on the shelf for when the time comes. Seems like no one has found any other way to get these gaskets.
Thanks a lot for sharing the gasket source. Mine's not leaking (yet), but for 15 bucks I'll put one on the shelf for when the time comes. Seems like no one has found any other way to get these gaskets.
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
From: too far from Europe!
Matt,
Did you have any rattles or vibes occur that tipped you off to replace?I'm getting a rattle at 750 rpm when gearing down to a stop.....sounds header/exhaust related.(I have tsw damper and lower poly mm insert)-lots of vibe!
Did you have any rattles or vibes occur that tipped you off to replace?I'm getting a rattle at 750 rpm when gearing down to a stop.....sounds header/exhaust related.(I have tsw damper and lower poly mm insert)-lots of vibe!
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5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
From: too far from Europe!
-while coming to a full stop,as rpm's go down to idle level(just before)
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