Crush Washers

[Mitchcpc]

Question to all you Metallurgist out there.

Any reason not to use a copper or brass crush washer on the drain plugs when changing oil versus the stock Triumph aluminum washer? Triumph wants $4 per washer and I can get the copper one for .40 at NAPA.

Thanks...Mitch

 

[Navigator]

Mitch, I used the same washers for the 500 and 6000 mile oil changes and they didn't leak. Same with my BMW. I don't replace them every time. The Triumph aluminum washers are worth about 15 cents, not the four bucks they charge for them. Outrageous.

In answer to your question, copper washers are used on vintage Triumphs which have aluminum cases. That is all I ever use and they don't leak. My advice, don't overachieve on washers. Just ensure the inner diameter is correct.

 

[Mitchcpc]

Thanks

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the responses.

 

[Mitchcpc]

I have an '07 standard R3. There are three plugs for draining the oil that use crush washers. All three are on the bottom of the engine. Below is a pic and the sizes as I measured them to the closest 1/16". The ones pictured are Triumph aluminum, but I used brass replacements I picked up at NAPA for .40 each versus $4 each at Triumph. The drain plug also has a small rubber o-ring.

 

[mtnman]

$4 EACH! Ya'll are getting ripped off! My dealer in Kingsport Tennessee sold me 6 washers and two "O" rings for $3.

 

[Mitchcpc]

Not getting ripped off..

Not getting ripped off...paying 40 cents each at NAPA!

 

[jeepster09]

Re: Not getting ripped off..

Not getting ripped off...paying 40 cents each at NAPA!

Does NAPA use a part number? Or do you just match them up?

 

[Mitchcpc]

No Part number

I just dug through their oil plug washer bin and matched them up.