My Allen wrench plus a little heat and a hammer only made the Allen wrench dig into the oil plugs a little.

Anyine with advice on getting these plugs out? I’ve alreadt stripped the head off a pinch bolt and had to drill it out. Please advise.



Tried to use a chissle....



I’ll try to have a helper on an alen wrench while I tap

 

Can you get a manual or electric impact wrench on it? Definitely soak it with PB blaster, and heat is of course your friend, but it kind of looks like an aluminum plug in a steel/iron casting so you might be dealing with some galvanic corrosion.

 

I also agree heat is ur friend, but make sure u r heating the correct part. Dont want to expand the plug, just the outlining case. Just start the car and let her run a few minutes. Also, make sure u r using the correct allen size...some are very close metric vs standard. Lastly, I would buy ( unless this is what u r using) a 3/8 drive allen socket. Way better leverage.
I do love PB Blaster too. Havent found anything better over the years, apply liberally, even soak overnight. Really does work.
GL,
Troy

 

That looks like a torx bolt to me. A hex wrench will just slip.

 

Damn it. I think you’re right. I saw mod mini use what I thought was a 10mm Allen wrench. I’ll learn what it is and post a complete update with pictures on this repair. The information is out there but it is sparse. I’ll be doing the chain, cam, and crank sprocket replacement by the end of February and I’ll make a detailed modmin esque video.

My mini is driving and purring (save for the suspected dirty injectors that make it seem to have pneumonia).

Thank you and the community. I’ve had overwhelming support and I intend to pay it back in every way I can. The mini is actually an excellent car to practice mechanic skills on because it is easy to lift, parts are light, and even timing the engine, what I believe can be the most difficult and stressful repair for any vehicle is borderline dumby proof.

I have a lowly R50, so no DOHC but hopefully I can help make owning a mini practical and afordable.

 

That is a hex head. What size wrench were you using? For example, if you were using a 3/8 inch instead of a 10mm that would do it. They look pretty close to being the same size but aren't.

 

i was using a 10mm, not only did I pull the 10mm Allen from its correct position in my tool rack, I always check on the tool that it is exactly what I believe it is. So yes I used a 10mm hex, andbif you are sure that it is a 10mm I’ll assume the ppl that came before me over tightened the plugs. The ppl before me over tightened plenty, and cut corners more than once.

Ill be redoing this service so that i can replaceb the sprockets and chain. I’ll also change the beat up plugs, cam sensor o-ring, crank sensor o-ring, timing cover gaskets and o-rings, and if I can find it by it’s self the seal behind the harmonic balancer - which I think is newish. I’ll do the oil pan gasket too.

so after replacing the rails I still hear ticking for 1-3 minutes at idle before driving away. I think that’s because of the slack in the chain and sprockets - which I assume are originals. Any comments? Also I think my injectors are unreasonably loud, probably from dirty fuel filter. Will the injectors clean them selves up after a new filter, or should I spend the $40 for new ones? A pvc or plastic/rubber tube began to crack after this repair. It’s the one on the valve cover on the left side. Small, maybe 5 inches long. What’s that called? Where should I order a new one?

Thank you EVERYONE again. I work the next couple days, but I will be compiling my research soon to help others in the future.

 

I tapped the chissle while my helper pushed.