Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:36 pm Post subject: crush washer
ok simple question:
does putting a crush washer on the oil drain plug of a car that didn't originally have one hurt it? My wifes beetle has been leaking oil from (somewhere near) the drain plug. AFAIK it didn't originally have one. _________________
Jewish Racing Gold FTW!
Depends on a few things really. Are there enough threads to engage the drain bolt with the washer on? The threaded hole in the oil pan is usually maybe (guesstimating) 5-8 threads give or take.
If there are enough threads, the only thing the crush washer should do it allow the load to spread to a larger area and be less likely to damage the oil pan in any way. Not 100% sure what the real need is for one honestly. Yes, it's designed to deform under the load applied from the bolt, but what else is it doing? Really, not sure if it'll help to keep from overtorquing and consequently damaging the threads in the oil pan since that action is all taking place where the threads meet.
Sorry for the ramblings. Maybe that could give you some engr incite. _________________
08-09 CSCC President
09 Clemson Motorsports Festival Director
101101 doesn't need more than 4 cylinders or 130 whp
Joined: 07 Apr 2006 Posts: 1152 Location: Clemson
Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 5:08 pm Post subject:
As long as there's enough threads still engaged I think it might help. Sure, it'll distribute the load a little, but I always thought the advantage was that it would work like a gasket and if the two mating surfaces (the bolt and the flat part of the pan where the hole is) aren't exactly flat it could help seal any inconsistencies.
Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 1848 Location: Simpsonville, SC
Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:37 pm Post subject:
Brit cars are a wonderful learning experience. Those manufacturer's did everything they could to help oil find it's way out of openings that were almost invisible.
Use high temp RTV... and then...
"Crush washers? We don't need no stinking crush washers..." _________________ Ted E. Bayer
"Aerodynamics are for people who do not know how to build engines." - Enzo Ferrari ; )
Beetles should have a crush washer, and it should be replaced every time.
I have a bunch of them if you want some, you can have them.
Damn, I was afraid of that.
It didn't come to me with one, and it doesn't mention it anywhere in the haynes guide
Thanks for the offer, but I'll just get one from the parts store later.
Thanks
Are you sure? I have a ton, and I'd give you a dozen or so for free.
Well I live in Anderson, so unless youre up here, it's not worth the drive.
If you are around this weekend you can bring me a few if you don't mind _________________
Jewish Racing Gold FTW!
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