staybar bolt snapped

[AmbulanceChaser]

would it be ok to drive even though my top engine stay bar bolt (which goes into the block) has snapped???
also the rest of the bolt is stuck in the block is there any chance of drilling it out and re-threading it?

[Cooperman]

The short, sharp answer is "NO". If you drive it with the top engine steady not fixed properly you'll break the exhaust off.
To fix this there is a kit which Mini Spares do and it does the job until the engine next comes out at which time you can drill out and fit a helicoil thread insert as a proper repair.
Shearing that bolt is a very common thing to have happen and we've all done it at one time or another. The problem is that you need it tight to locate the engine, but just over-torque it a bit and it snaps.
Call guru1071 at Mini Spares in Harrogate and he'll send you the kit.

[TVRich]

I've just done exactly the same thing and was gutted until I saw that there is a repar kit for about £20(ish)

[Mr2Mike]

Stick an ultimate engine steady on as well, essential equipment for any hard driven mini IMO.

[DanGT]

I have had this happen a number of times ( I am not that bad just had lots of minis). Take the staybat off and see if any of the bolt is sticking out so you can have a go at grabing it and getting it out. All the othere times I driled the bolt out in place. Start with a small drill bit. You may find that once you have got so big that you can just pull the rest out. I did not find this to hard to do but be carfull if you get it wrong you may requir a new block. Good luck

[Cooperman]

It doesn't matter if you drill it out too much. Just get a Heli-Coil kit and fit a 5/16" UNF Heli-Coil. It's not a difficult job, but you have to lift the engine so that you can get a drill and a tap in. Maybe a right-angled drill will get in there and the tap wrench can be on a long bar so that it goes in square.
You definately won't need a new block if you drill it out too much. In my experience, the bolt always shears off flush with the block - it's sod's law!

[DanGT]

I was thinking about to deep. Last one I did was on a clubman and there was a bit more room.

[Skyedriver]

Hi, Minispares do about 4 different repair kits for most eventualities.....been there, wardrobe full of T shirts etc etc.

Rich? Where are you?

[TVRich]

Skyedriver said:

Hi, Minispares do about 4 different repair kits for most eventualities.....been there, wardrobe full of T shirts etc etc.

Rich? Where are you?

Hi, Check out North west minis. they have a number of options for the differing bolts that have snapped. Also saw this on ebay Item number: 380105898065 Shows the different options.

Sorry, not been on for a couple of days.