Massive thank you to Phil - and more advice please?

[Mark Wilson]

Have you actually broken through into the centre of the seat

Yes - and out the other side. I don't do things by halves.

Minispares and Somerford are both out of stock, which I think is a long term situation.

Les - someone on the mini forum seems to have successfully removed one from a scrap engine, so it's looking likely I'll need to go down that route. Anyone got an A Series block lying around in Yorkshire or thereabouts?

[Mark Wilson]

Found one - new seat, not scrap engine! It's on its way - from Nevada City.......

[philthehill]

Well done.

[les]

Good news, now you've only got to get the original one out before it arrives!

[Mark Wilson]

I've only paid for basic postage, so I should have plenty of time!

[Mark Wilson]

A great example of-----' a picture paints a thousand words'

That took me over half an hour and two hacksaw blades. Do you think JB Weld is the best way to stick it back on again?

[les]

Such a steady hand! Spread the jb thinly, don't want to block the oil ways

[panky]

Well done in tracking one down Maybe take some detailed measurements when you get it so they can be made in the future, doesn't look like a difficult thing to turn up - once you've got one in your hand

[Mark Wilson]

I've sent a message to someone on the Mini forum who had machining drawings available a few months ago. I'll report back if I manage to get hold of these, and otherwise will do as you suggest and measure the new one as accurately as my Aldi electronic callipers will allow, if and when it arrives.

[philthehill]

Mark
Before removing the remains of the valve measure how far the outer face of the valve insert is away from the outer edge of the block. Fitting the new seat to the same dimension will ensure that the oil gallery to the rear main is not shrouded (see sectioned photo above).
The remains of the oil pressure relief valve seat can be removed by tapping into the remains - inserting a threaded bar - and with a thick flat washer (or a piece of flat bar) placed over the rod (large enough to cover the oil pressure release valve opening) - fit a nut to the rod and tighten so pulling out the remains.
You may have to do this twice if the valve seat has been split in two.
You will have to determine the size of the tapped thread from the size of the current hole through the valve seat and what taps and threaded rod you have.

When fitting the valve seat ensure that it is fitted the right way round (see sectional photo above).
When knocking in the valve seat use an old release valve plunger/cup (Pt No: 12H865) on the end of the rod being used to knock the seat in - that will ensure that the new valve seat is not damaged.
Phil

[Mark Wilson]

Thanks for the detailed advice, particularly the last part about using the old plunger - I'd already bought a new spring and plunger, so I do have one available. I'll probably make a start on the removal tonight, a bit of cursing and swearing coming from the garage should add to the Halloween atmosphere....

[taupe]

Here you go.. another supplier ?

http://www.ebay.es/itm/2A797-HOUSING-OI ... 0697175025


and i found this drawing

Taupe[frame][/frame]

[Mark Wilson]

Thanks. I'd found the Spanish eBay listing but the vendor doesn't want to ship to the UK. The drawing is perfect, gives me options if the one I've ordered from the USA doesn't materialise for any reason. Wasn't Rob Thomas looking for manufacturing projects?

[philthehill]

Mark
Were there more than one available from Nevada City?
If there were I would very much like to obtain one - if there were can you post the link or 'e' bay item number.
It is a pity about the Spanish oil pressure relief valve seats as they are as rare as hens teeth as I have found when ringing around for the last few days - but I have obtained a S/H seat which hopefully is winging its way to me.
Even the S/H ones are rare.
It does not look too difficult to manufacture now the drawings are available. I agree - a job for Rob Thomas me thinks
Phil

[Declan_Burns]

Phil,
If you want one of those Spanish relief valve seats I might be able to help. We have 5 Spanish guys in the office at the moment as temporary staff and I'm pretty sure they would organize one if you would cover the cost. Let me know as I could find out tomorrow morning when I'm back in the office. It's a public holiday here today.

Regards
Declan

[philthehill]

Declan
I have sent you a PM.
Phil

[Mark Wilson]

Declan, that's very kind of you, and very timely, as I've just had the disappointing news that MiniMania in Nevada don't have any stock after all. Can you please make enquiries of your colleagues and I'm happy to fund up front if they are able to help.

Mark

[Declan_Burns]

Mark,
Will do.
Regards
Declan

[RobThomas]

Cam Machine Components

Gervase Winn

Gervase@cam-machine.co.uk

This is the guy who I had lined up to produce a batch of negative camber eyebolts. They would have been about twice the price of normal ones but I couldn't get enough people together to make a big enough batch. He might be persuaded to knock up a few for you at a lower price per dozen than those Spanish ones. Well worth a try.

[Declan_Burns]

It is no problem the Spanish guy will organize it-do you want me to proceed or should I wait until you try Rob's machine shop first?
Regards
Declan