Ok, I have had a slow drip coming from the oil drain plug and decided to order a new plug. (2002 R53)
To my suprise, the plug I ordered from Pelican was not even close to the one I pulled out of the pan. (SEE PHOTO)

Does it look like the PO had stripped the original hole and had to rethread with a larger bolt?

Also, If this keeps leaking am I pretty much forced to replace the pan?

 

Another pic, silver plug on the left is the one on the car, black plug is new.

 

That's exactly what happened. The bolt you pulled out of your pan is a self-tapping oil drain plug commonly available at most auto parts stores.

It looks like there was/is no washer on the old bolt? If that is the case, try using a nylon washer or a proper size metal crush washer to keep the drip at bay. They can also be had at any auto parts store and are almost always necessary to keep small drips from occurring.

 

Thanks! The slots in the end of the bolt made me think "self-tapping" as well.

 

If your thread are OK I'd install a Fumoto drain plug. You never remove it; just flip the lever and oil drains. I've had one on my '03 for at least 6 years, and I'd never go back.

 

Oh yes I've read up on those here. Probably the way to go as I'm sure the threads get worse each time I change the oil.

 

I second that! I have had a Fumoto drain plug in my 05 MCS for at least the past 5 years and put one in my daughters 05 "Justa" at the first oil change.

It makes life under the MINI so much better.

 

So how do I order/install a fumoto if the drain hole is enlarged?

 

you can order a Fumoto 'by size' if you can figure out what the threads are currently tapped to....

http://www.qwikvalve.com/Size-Chart.html

or use a helicoil to get back to original

that self tapper shouldn't be harming anything - as another said just carry it to an autopart store and get a generic crush washer that fits. Soft metal or even fiber. That's what I use on my 79 . .

 

Great thanks!

 

btw

the correct size for a GEN1 MINI is

F-106: ENGINE OIL DRAIN VALVE 14MM-1.5

 

Ecs tuning carries them as well

 

pillagethesound - thanks for post

Click the picture: F106NMINIKT


Gen 1 : R50 R52 R53 models.

Thanks

 

I have two questions. The picture has the valve lever at the top. How can we be assured that it will end up there and not at the bottom where it is more exposed?

Also, what is the function of the second brass block?

Thanks in advance.

Rich

 

ECS is including the stand off adapter who's function is

"The adapter is designed to add extra length to the valve so that you can install the valve without hitting the oil pan wall. "

and a piece of plastic tubing to use with the 'nipple' to direct the stream . . . (no wise cracks)

In my experience my Miata had a recess in the oil pan the plug/valve would sit in and this adapter was necessary to push the valve clear of this recess.

having installed at least a half dozen F-106 (some N and some plain) on GEN1 MINI including my own, IMO the adapter is not needed but won't hurt anything. I don't use the adapter on MINI. The valve part has ALWAYS ended pointing UP. The threads in the pan and the valve are cast in so they aren't 'random' in orientation is my guess, but every Fumoto I've installed ended up with the valve oriented in a safe direction. {which is why you DON'T try and use one on a GEN2 where the entire gizmo would point straight down}

Ordering direct from Qwikvalve (Fumoto's retail outlet) it is 23.96 plain, 26.95 with the nipple allowing a hose to be attached. Got a friend or another car you might want one for? Order 2 and shipping is free in the US..