05-10-2018, 02:55 AM
The idea behind this thread is to share ways we've come up with to improve on shortcomings of this wonderful little car to enhance our enjoyment of its virtues.
As I slowly restore my Seven I am constantly looking to see if there are ways to improve how things work or in many cases last.
Some activities or maintenance activities will eventually cause things like old tired threads to fail etc. One of the things I don't like about the Seven engine is the way that the sump is held on with bolts into the cast aluminum crank case. Trying to get a good oil tight seal (if that is possible) with the old technology of paper gasket and oval washers to spread the compression on the sump face when you tighten the bolts up after each oil change and screen cleaning eventually leads to thread failure and stripping. More so if your sump's mating face isn't flat or in good shape with no gaps when the face is resting on a flat surface.
So what did I do to improve matters you ask?
Well first of all I made sure that both mating surfaces were flat checking with a metal straight edge and adjusting the offending surface with either a file or a hammer and anvil (for the sump). When satisfied with the fit I made up brass BSW studs that would be put into the crankcase permanently. To hold the flange of the sump flat I fabricated a 1/8" thick by 1/2" wide retainer insert that sits in the flange of the sump.
This ensures that the sump stays flat when tightened to the crankcase. Retaining everything in place are new deep long neck nuts that would be easier to grip with the spanner. The old paper gasket is not used but a new one will be made from a silicone baking sheet from your local Safeway or Tescos.
All this ensures that you'll get a good oil tight seal with no leaks (hopefully) without wearing out your crankcase sump threads by having to resort to over tightening things and having a reusable gasket that should last for a long time before you have to make another.
Oil changes should now be easier and not something that gives you concern over bolt and thread failure.
The nuts and studs in the last picture are not installed but put in place just for the pic.
Cheers,
Stephen
As I slowly restore my Seven I am constantly looking to see if there are ways to improve how things work or in many cases last.
Some activities or maintenance activities will eventually cause things like old tired threads to fail etc. One of the things I don't like about the Seven engine is the way that the sump is held on with bolts into the cast aluminum crank case. Trying to get a good oil tight seal (if that is possible) with the old technology of paper gasket and oval washers to spread the compression on the sump face when you tighten the bolts up after each oil change and screen cleaning eventually leads to thread failure and stripping. More so if your sump's mating face isn't flat or in good shape with no gaps when the face is resting on a flat surface.
So what did I do to improve matters you ask?
Well first of all I made sure that both mating surfaces were flat checking with a metal straight edge and adjusting the offending surface with either a file or a hammer and anvil (for the sump). When satisfied with the fit I made up brass BSW studs that would be put into the crankcase permanently. To hold the flange of the sump flat I fabricated a 1/8" thick by 1/2" wide retainer insert that sits in the flange of the sump.
This ensures that the sump stays flat when tightened to the crankcase. Retaining everything in place are new deep long neck nuts that would be easier to grip with the spanner. The old paper gasket is not used but a new one will be made from a silicone baking sheet from your local Safeway or Tescos.
All this ensures that you'll get a good oil tight seal with no leaks (hopefully) without wearing out your crankcase sump threads by having to resort to over tightening things and having a reusable gasket that should last for a long time before you have to make another.
Oil changes should now be easier and not something that gives you concern over bolt and thread failure.
The nuts and studs in the last picture are not installed but put in place just for the pic.
Cheers,
Stephen