Silly sump plug question

[torque2me]

Originally Posted by SD1too

Hi Andrew,

Maybe you've been speaking to people with an interest in selling you things!

Both copper and aluminium are soft metals. They will naturally form a seal when the sump plug is tightened to the specified torque. I have always re-used the washer which was fitted when I bought my car 16 years ago! "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Simon

Speaking (actually typing) with an engineers hat on, a copper washer should be changed every time the bolt (plug) is undone. This is because the soft metal will "crush" and de-form. Therefore the thickness will be marginally less, At the torque setting of a sump plug has (nip tight) this is not really an issue on this and using the washer again will, in all probability, not cause oil to leak.

If I don't have the correct replacement washer I have turned is over. It doesn't get away from the crush aspect but it often reverses the deformity.

Kev

[AndrewJames]

Originally Posted by torque2me

Speaking (actually typing) with an engineers hat on, a copper washer should be changed every time the bolt (plug) is undone. This is because the soft metal will "crush" and de-form. Therefore the thickness will be marginally less, At the torque setting of a sump plug has (nip tight) this is not really an issue on this and using the washer again will, in all probability, not cause oil to leak.

If I don't have the correct replacement washer I have turned is over. It doesn't get away from the crush aspect but it often reverses the deformity.

Kev

Thanks for that. I thought I was going mad

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by ardvark

Had a diesel for over 12 years now. Never changed the sump washer during the annual service. I think you'll find other members do the same.

My history too over the last 12 years or so however not only have I never changed the washer I have never removed the drain plug either.---



My Pela pump is perfection in itself.-------

[rrobson]

If it’s not leaking now chances are there’s a washer fitted. If there’s a washer fitted there’s a very good chance that when it’s tightened up it’ll seal again. A few times now I’ve removed sump plugs only to find the plug without a washer of any description, no leakage either. Failing that, just drill a hole in an old 2p, be reet!

[It runs]

I'm surprised by the lack of correct metalagy response with this question .
You need to aniell the washer if you want to re use it .
Copper hardens when it's been compressed or bent .
Put it on the hob (kitchen,)
Allow it to glow .
Pick it up with long nose pliers then drop it into cold water .
Job done.
This is the correct method of re using a copper washer

[torque2me]

Originally Posted by It runs

I'm surprised by the lack of correct metalagy response with this question .
You need to aniell the washer if you want to re use it .
Copper hardens when it's been compressed or bent .
Put it on the hob (kitchen,)
Allow it to glow .
Pick it up with long nose pliers then drop it into cold water .
Job done.
This is the correct method of re using a copper washer

You are absolutely correct. However, I've never had a cooker to hand when I have had to re-use.

Kev

[RogerHeinz57]

look up ALU1403 it should be M14 but cannot remember the thickness.
ALU1403 LR is specified for the Freelander Much the same engine.
This washer is also suited to Honda from memory.

[Mike Noc]

Originally Posted by It runs

I'm surprised by the lack of correct metalagy response with this question .
You need to aniell the washer if you want to re use it .
Copper hardens when it's been compressed or bent .
Put it on the hob (kitchen,)
Allow it to glow .
Pick it up with long nose pliers then drop it into cold water .
Job done.
This is the correct method of re using a copper washer

You don't have to drop the copper into cold water - you can just let it cool in the surrounding air and clean it up with a bit of Scotchbrite.

[AndrewJames]

Originally Posted by RogerHeinz57

look up ALU1403 it should be M14 but cannot remember the thickness.
ALU1403 LR is specified for the Freelander Much the same engine.
This washer is also suited to Honda from memory.

Perfect thank you! Just did a search and found a few listings. M47r engine is on the list too

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by It runs

I'm surprised by the lack of correct metalagy response with this question .
You need to aniell the washer if you want to re use it .
Copper hardens when it's been compressed or bent .
Put it on the hob (kitchen,)
Allow it to glow .
Pick it up with long nose pliers then drop it into cold water .
Job done.
This is the correct method of re using a copper washer

Anneal it, yes.

Fast cooling tends to lock the molecules and harden it.---