Hey everyone

So I've a leak coming from the bottom of the timing cover so was going to change the gasket...

I've got the right size socket for it but I can't for the life of me get it undone! My mechanic suggested having the socket there and turning the car over but that didn't undo it... Is there any tricks to getting this undone?

the head is still off the car btw (not sure it that makes a difference) When I try undoing it the engine just turns

Regards
James

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I wish I had some sort of witty quote in my signature

Plan A:
Pull the starter out then sit an old bearing shell in the ring gear. It will stay there whilst you apply 1-5/16" socket + BIG breaker bar to the crank pulley nut. (it should be around 75 ft/lb torque).
Some people hold a big screwdriver into the ring gear but it's likely to slip.

Plan B:
Fit 1-5/16" socket & breaker bar to pulley nut, hold the bar against firewall. Crank starter...

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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.

I would just remove the starter and use a slim spanner in the ringear up against the casing and use a breaker bar on the bolt.

Although Plan C:
Select 4th gear and apply handbrake and use breaker bar.

I think I have always used a small spanner in between the primary cover and the ringear after removing the starter motor.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

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

Thanks everyone for the suggestions

Didn't have an old bearing shell so I gave a screwdriver a go. POP! worked a charm. Thread had Loctite on it as well so that made it a bit more stubborn. Not surprised the gasket was leaking after seeing the gasket that was used by my "engine specialist" *rolls eyes*

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I wish I had some sort of witty quote in my signature

(this has been said before by others)

For those with the head still on..take out no1 spark plug, turn engine just past compression stroke and feed in a length of poly rope. The rope offers a soft cushion and stops the piston/crank going past TDC. Nut comes loose. Actually really easy to do and fast.

(engine must be cool, might be obvious but wasn't for me (once))

As well as replacing the gasket you should also replace the oil seal.
Tip: when replacing the timing cover, put all of the bolts in loosely then slip the harmonic balancer/pulley back onto the end of the crankshaft so as to align the oil seal and timing cover.
Then when happy that it is centred then tighten up the bolts.

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1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S

Nice tip MB

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"Investing my Super in a Cooper" &
"Re-living my Surfing Past in a Woody"

Cheers Michael

Got that tip today! Handy thing to know.

Cheers
James

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I wish I had some sort of witty quote in my signature