I'm currently in the middle of fitting a Weber to my mini and have encountered a problem today... I've got a short redline manifold (see pic) and it's virtually impossible to do up the two centre exhaust/inlet manifold nuts. How the hell do you get a spanner on them. I can't get the spanner on them let alone turn it enough to do them up. Please advise me on how to proceed please. I'm stumped.

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- Simon -

I cheat and use a very narrow and thin 1/2" spanner that Steve has

No idea what the type is called, but it fits almost anywhere!

DrMini will be able to help you out

As far as i can see, only an open ended spanner with ratchet mechanism would work. Pity such a tool doesn't exist.

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- Simon -

How good would it be if it did work!
I think if an open ended spanner that ratchet-ed was invented, the patenter would make millions!!!!

Use Cooper S nuts on the middle 2, they are 3 times longer...
3/8 drive ratchet and a short extension, it's a piece of cake.
Even with carb etc on. Mine comes off complete in 5 mins flat. With Ramflo filter.

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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 use a 1/2" socket on a uni joint.. works for me. Also the open end of a spanner works..but you get like one flat turn from top..one flat from bottom..etc..etc..

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

I'm obviously going to need to take pics... because everything that's been suggested is not possible in this case. There's no way a socket will go over the nuts.

As for the suggestion about using cooper s nuts... i'm using some brass ones that are about 20mm long. Does that sound like what you're suggesting?

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- Simon -

Yes.
re the sockets- 1/2 drive ones are really too friggin' big and thick.
a 3/8" drive set fits nice, ditto 1/4" drive ones.

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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 meant 1/2" socket/uni-joint on a 3/8 drive ratchet...they are 1/2" nuts from memory?

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

maybe tightening each of the nuts gradually will help too
(ie doing up the first nut 1 turn then the second nut 1 turn, third nut 1 turn, forth nut 1 turn then start at the first nut again etc etc etc)

If you're fully tightening the first nut i don't think there's enough room to get the others on or something in there to tighten it up with.

3/8 drive with an extension is the best way to go and also a open ended spanner

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just a question

what type of exhaust are you running > extractors or are you running a cut down standard exhaust, like the good doc said 3/8 drive ratchet with 6 inch extension and you should have no probs

Jon

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Roundies and Clubbies(except vans) are both ugly that is why I have Midas and a van
1293 Mini Midas Bronze,1275 Clubman van

It seems impossible but it is possible... just requires alot of swearing and head scratching...

Try putting the socket onto the nut first, then attached the 6 inch extension, then the rachet handle.

I also find that i can use my gearwrenches to some degree...

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

I'm going to give it another go when i get home from work tonight... i'll try what is suggested but am not expecting to be much more successful than yesterday... we'll see though.

feralsprint... i'm running Maniflow LCB extractors... i purchased them recently and this is the first time they've been fitted. They fitted with no probs. It's the inlet manifold that is getting in the way.

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- Simon -

6" extension is too long and cumbersome- find a shorter one, 2-3" is perfect.

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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 don't have a 6" extension... i've only got a 2" one.

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- Simon -