Time for an overhaul of my 1.9 '98 BMW Z3 Individual

[Matt Barnes]

ok so today I was the "Muppet of The Day" award winner !.... I thank you

decided to clean up the Brake pipe/ Fuel Pipe clamp "cap".... and I must say... it does clean up very well on the brass wheel and a bit of Brasso....

Then I offered it up to the bracket space that was left when I took the clip off.... to a "huh?".... "how does that work?"..... as the "cap" had a captive screw and there was a threaded post for the bracket...... "how the hell?"

I was convinced, absolutely convinced that this cap went on the clip I just put on.... but couldn't fathom it out...

so, I then realised there was another clip position further forward near the fuel filter...... got a light in there and....

"ah ok.... this one is a threaded post".....

I then reminded myself that when I took the clips off.... over a year ago !.... one of the screw heads had sheared off.... and going back I realised it wasn't a peg after all, it was a sheared screw !!!

still not convinced what was going on I rummaged through some tubs and found another cap !.... without a captive screw !!

There's no way that the headless screw shaft is coming out without shearing the post off, so might just silicone or tie wrap it in place..... anyway.. that wasted a sizeable portion of my life....

to get over it, I went onto Autodoc and ordered new rear shocks, new front control arms and new lollipops.... for when I start on the front suspension !...definitely time for Gin !!...

 

[DrWong]

This is exactly my predicament, insofar as I cannot get the damn screw to budge but I'm not at the stage of having sheared the head off yet.

Some peeps on this forum suggest the screw can be turned out using grips, once you've got it to the stage you're at (i.e. without the plastic/metal bracket covering the threaded post).

This also looks like a prime candidate for an induction heating tool, as discussed here: Tool help. | BMW Z1 Z4 Z8 Z3 Forum and Technical Database - ZRoadster.org They've come down a lot in price recently (less than £200), to the point where they're just about justifiable for a home mechanic, IMO

 

[DrWong]

I wonder if it's worth you cutting the thread flush with the post and then trying to drill it out? Nothing to lose, everything to gain etc

 

[Matt Barnes]

I wonder if it's worth you cutting the thread flush with the post and then trying to drill it out? Nothing to lose, everything to gain etc

I put vice grips on the shank and the whole thing started to twist so stopped straight away.. don't want a hole in the floor pan!.. think I might cut my losses and just fix it somehow with glue of something..

 

[DrWong]

No fair point, no-one wants a hole in their floor haha

Were you gripping the threaded post (i.e. to stop it twisting) at the same time as turning the shank with the vice grips.?

 

[Matt Barnes]

No fair point, no-one wants a hole in their floor haha

Were you gripping the threaded post (i.e. to stop it twisting) at the same time as turning the shank with the vice grips.?

I got too scared when I saw the whole thing flexing I stopped...bit like playing hunt the cucumber at Gary Glitter's house

 

[Althulas]

If you end up with a hole put a rivnut in then you have a threaded hole for your screw. This is the one I purchased

https://amzn.eu/d/38umsAw

You can look on YouTube on how to use rivnuts without the tool and they are available separately if you don’t want to go to the expense of one there are cheaper alternatives. https://amzn.eu/d/1DH25el

 

[Matt Barnes]

If you end up with a hole put a rivnut in then you have a threaded hole for your screw. This is the one I purchased

https://amzn.eu/d/38umsAw

You can look on YouTube on how to use rivnuts without the tool and they are available separately if you don’t want to go to the expense of one there are cheaper alternatives. https://amzn.eu/d/1DH25el

I'd rather glue it than use a rivnut..I've got a whole box of rivnuts but for the sake of a brake pipe clip?..

 

[Mazza]

I have read this thread over and over again….. as it so nice to find that I am not the only idiot on this forum.
but Matt, …………you will have to go a long way to surpass my stupidity while working on these ************. Cars

***********. Insert any adjective you like ….. mine are unprintable

 

[Matt Barnes]

I have read this thread over and over again….. as it so nice to find that I am not the only idiot on this forum.
but Matt, …………you will have to go a long way to surpass my stupidity while working on these ************. Cars

***********. Insert any adjective you like ….. mine are unprintable

mate I spent literally hours mulling over how the the hell a clip with a captive screw could fit on a threaded stud

 

[t-tony]

Rivnuts are pennies each. Its the ideal solution.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

If you buy yourself 10 4mm Rivnuts, I'll send you some 4mm screws for them Matt. I acquired a load a couple of weeks ago and you're welcome to some.

Tony.

 

[Matt Barnes]

If you buy yourself 10 4mm Rivnuts, I'll send you some 4mm screws for them Matt. I acquired a load a couple of weeks ago and you're welcome to some.

Tony.

thank you mate. I have a box full of rivnuts in various sizes. I'll have a look tomorrow and see where to go

 

[Mazza]

Matt … I have rivnuts , the correct insertion tool , And delivery is free as usual If you need them

 

[Matt Barnes]

Matt … I have rivnuts , the correct insertion tool , And delivery is free as usual If you need them

thanks as always Malc!...I have tons of rivnuts, though not the tool....I just don't fancy ripping that post off the body. What I might try is cleaning it up as much as possible, bit of heat, some love taps with a hammer and see if I can persuade it free. If not cut off the shank, drill and re tap the hole....or..just leave it be

 

[Matt Barnes]

ok so only a little time on the car today, and we'll start with THAT screw shall we ?

I got the Dremel on it and got off as much rust as I could and sprayed with WD... I know gravity was against me but I was working on the "wicking" properties in that some might get up into the thread..

I gave it several thumps with the hammer hoping to shock it a bit, then clamped on a sturdy vice grip

and it just wasn't having it, the post was flexing and I just didn't want to rip a hole..... so I chose the next option.... I know, I know.... I've let my whole family down and I'll be spurned by Forum members for decades.... but yes............................. I bottled it..... I''ll leave it for another day.

I did put on the cap for the one that does have a screw and mighty fine it looks too. Though I might try and and clean up that vent pipe, it's letting the side down....

Then I assembled @Mazza 's tank straps, together with my zinc plated bolts and DOESN'T that just look dreamy !!??....

I also offered up some of the parts I zinced, including the ARB brackets and nuts

Also started cleaning up the tank after laying on the drive for 1.5 years ! ... and it's half full of what is now two year old unleaded, so I need to ditch that. Plus the top is covered in epoxy primer, but luckily won't be seen

I also need to get some new earth tape as mine thinks it's a chameleon and has adopted the colour of my driveway

 

[IainP]

You’re a welder now, cut it short, tack a rivnut to the remains. Make sure the screw doesn’t bottom out. Sorted.

 

[Matt Barnes]

You’re a welder now, cut it short, tack a rivnut to the remains. Make sure the screw doesn’t bottom out. Sorted.

Hi Iain !!.... haha... fair point mate !

 

[Matt Barnes]

so here's a question....do you reckon I can still use the fuel that's in the tank?.. it"s 2 years old and an M44 engine isn't exactly new...is it sensitive to old fuel?...

 

[AntStark]

I wouldn’t …anything over 6 months starts to degrade. Lawnmower..bbq lighter?