Oildrain plug copper seal

[keand3]

Hey guys.

Well be changing the oil during this week and i would need to replace that copperseal/washer on the oildrain plug.
But i can't for the life of me find my spare ones so i need to buy some new ones. Anyone who know the dimensions on that copper seal?

Cheers
Ken

[FJmonkey]

Ken, I have used the same crush washer for many years (against popular belief and recommendations) with no harmful side effects. Just proper torque. Some anneal the washer before using again but I am not sure how that un-crushes the washer. It is said to soften it but it is already soft metal. If you need, you can reuse it (properly torqued) and plan to change it next oil change. Oh, one more thing, the washer does not seem to care what oil brand or type you use.

[andyb]

Spark plug sealing rings work brilliantly.

[mark1969]

I've never replaced a sump plug washer in all the years of car and bike oil changes. Never had any problems with leaks etc.

It's nice to think you have done a 'proper job' but not essential IMHO.

[keand3]

Oh, one more thing, the washer does not seem to care what oil brand or type you use.

Damn... I had hoped that i had to spend a small fortune on high end oil... You just made the wife very happy 

[racerrad8]

Ken,

The some of these one your next order; Drain Plug Gasket

Randy - RPM

[Charlie-brm]

Ken, I have used the same crush washer for many years (against popular belief and recommendations) with no harmful side effects. Just proper torque. Some anneal the washer before using again but I am not sure how that un-crushes the washer. It is said to soften it but it is already soft metal. If you need, you can reuse it (properly torqued) and plan to change it next oil change. Oh, one more thing, the washer does not seem to care what oil brand or type you use.

Useless information bulletin #43156: Copper is a metal that "work hardens", as does aluminum. They are both soft by metal standards, but every time they are stressed, their crystal structure changes especially along those stress lines and they become brittle. We've all seen how easily aluminum cracks. By annealing the metal, you are setting the structure back to something softer and homogenous. I used to anneal hundreds of small pieces of copper for a hobby of mine. It definitely became more pliable and took to deformation a lot better without cracking. The deformation would harden it so if there was more work to do later, I'd anneal it again if necessary. Beyond that, I leave the subject to wikipedia.