I'm using a secondhand drop gear case with a breather. The holes for the clutch slave cylinder were stripped in the top 2/3rds so I figured I'd take the holes out to 3/8" and retap. Even at that size the holes are conical and although the bolt screws in the thread it slops about until it reaches more than half way. The bolts will probably tighten and hold the slave cylinder but I'm wondering if the pressure on the bolts from the sideways pushing of the clutch will cause problems with time and probably do the same again.

In other words should I take the holes out another size or two to remove any sideways slack?

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

David

Do you have another drop gear casing - a standard one with undamaged threads. ?????

If so just drill a series of small holes where the breather goes and bolt the breather on. In fact its preferable because the one you have just has one big hole and guess where the bolt is going to go when you get distracted putting the breather on.

It only needs five or small 3mm holes.

Mike

Thanks Mike - but thats what I have done - only have the one case. I'm not too concerend about drilling bigger bolt holes as the holes in the slave cylinder are quite large - bigger than 3/8" by a long shot More concerned about the 'engineering' of a bolt in a sloppy conical hole and it's holding power and long term effectiveness.

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

I would be concerned as well to tell the truth.

I have a few cases but getting it to you is a difficult issue. Doesn't anyone else near you have a shed full of the buggers. ???

Mike

I've already put the new bearings in the case

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

It's may be that a recoil is your only option if you don't wish to change the case.

A 3/8th UNF will perfectly match the recoil thread for 5/16th UNF, but I don't believe that a 3/8 UNC will do the same (different thread count).

It's UNC right?

A kit can be had for beteen 45 and 90 dollars depending on where you go, or get someone to do it for you for about the same.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Span a 7/16" UNC tap through the hole - didn't have to redrill even. 7/16" bolt now screws in nicely - no slop. Only trouble is the holes in the slave cylinder are 3/8"

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

Drill them out, it is just cast iron.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.