Reusing sump plug washers

[robc]

I'm all for it but there comes a time when they have to be replaced.

I serviced my RT for the first time since I bought it in July and here's what the washer looked like. FFS!

A new washer is shown for comparison just in case anyone is wondering what I'm whinging on about

Regards

Rob C

 

[Wrigsby1]

Ah, but did it leak? They go ragged like that when the socket goes over the stub that the bolt is threaded into and chews it as you give it the last tweak. You could do it with a new washer or one that you have re-ued a few times...s

I have just found a few crush washers at the bottom of the tool case... and a few more... and more

 

[robc]

No, it didn't leak but I've never seen one like that before. I reckon it's as old as the bike - 8 years. It would just have been my luck that it started to leak if I used it again.

I never changed that washer on my old ER-5 in 50,000 miles. That's 12 oil changes and it still looked brand new.

Fortunately I found a bag of spare washers too. Not quite sure what they are for though but I expect I'll use them all one day. They're all different sizes.

Regards

Rob C

 

[robc]

I forgot to mention. The previous service was done by a BMW main agent. They always tell me to use a new washer each service. Seems they don't take their own advice.

Regards

Rob C

 

[Rugged Path]

The aluminium washer has become brittle and started to break up. Over time, they become work hardened.

It is an unfortunate physical property.

 

[Wrigsby1]

I forgot to mention. The previous service was done by a BMW main agent. They always tell me to use a new washer each service. Seems they don't take their own advice.

Regards

Rob C

Never believe a word from a BMW main agent Honest though, they obviously thin and spread with a couple of uses but the ragged edge IS due to the socket 'cos I have done it a couple of times. Looks like a dogs chewed it...

The trouble with crush washers is that when new they feel like the thread's going...

 

[Packer]

I normally find that there are sufficient funds down the back of the sofa to run to a new crush washer. If not check under the drivers seat in the car.

 

[Steve the Kiwi]

If i go to a BMW dealer here it's the same price as everywhere else to buy a OEM filter.. the diffence being is they leave the crush washers in the box and not try to sell them to you when you buy the filter like the other dealer does

Can't say my thrifty-ness has streched to ever want to re-use one

 

[JJH]

I remember in about 1982 I worked in a motor factors in Dublin and in the annual stock check I had to count 1000s and 1000s of them. I wanted to weigh them but was over ruled by the boss. JJH

 

[davegs]

Go on spend your money, can't take it with you!

 

[Wrigsby1]

Go on spend your money, can't take it with you!

Much as it shames me to say, I do use a new washer when available Soldering the old ones together has become too much of a hassle (Joke!)

 

[rudiemoto]

all the washers should be changed evertime
i have for 16yrs and not one leek
for the price of 1.70 per kit its not the end of the world

 

[Steptoe]

Aluminum washers corrode over time.

Especially the oil temperature sensor sealing washer on top of the engine

I wonder if they act in the same way as an anode.

 

[davegs]

all the washers should be changed evertime
i have for 16yrs and not one leek
This would be correct as leeks grow in the ground and look something like a long onion but not so much flavour.

 

[Stewart H]

all the washers should be changed evertime
i have for 16yrs and not one leek
This would be correct as leeks grow in the ground and look something like a long onion but not so much flavour.

Are you Welsh?
I agree with Steptoe about the corrosion of those Aluminium washers.
Stewart

 

[MattW]

I always change aluminium washers - they're so cheap it's not worth penny pinching.

I have reused copper ones after annealing although I prefer to replace them when I can.

 

[robc]

There's a washer between the oil temp. sensor and the engine?

I had a leak on the GS from there last year. I removed the sensor. I saw no washer. I cleaned the mating surfaces and refitted the sensor. Leak gone.

I dropped the oil the GS on Saturday. I treated it to a new sump plug washer. A 25p copper one. It was exactly the same size as the sump plug so had to me slightly modified using a pair of pliers

Regards

Rob C

 

[bowser]

I have to say I will always replace a washer they are cheap enough but with the old copper washers if you just heat them up and then allow to cool you can reuse them, at a push if you need to, I assume that you can re temper work hardened ali ones but never actualy tried.

 

[MattW]

I have to say I will always replace a washer they are cheap enough but with the old copper washers if you just heat them up and then allow to cool you can reuse them, at a push if you need to, I assume that you can re temper work hardened ali ones but never actualy tried.

Tempering hardens metals, annealing softens.
To anneal copper you heat to cherry red and immediately quench in water. Just letting it cool won't do much

 

[Packer]

To anneal copper you heat to cherry red and immediately quench in water. Just letting it cool won't do much

+1, the exact opposite to what's required for steel.