WBX sump plug - copper washer or not?

[Winchweight]

I have just dropped the oil in my 2.1 DJ WBX and although the sump plug appears like new, it doesn't have a copper washer. Should it or dies the tapered neck suffice?

[itchyfeet]

Copper washer or it will likely leak.

[Winchweight]

Thanks chap. Copper washer found stuck to drain hole. Now replaced and refitted.

[mbcamper]

The next time you change the oil (6 months), you should anneal the copper washer to soften the copper again so it seals properly. Every time you tighten up the drain plug, it hardens the copper so it is less likely to seal as well.

To do this just heat it with a blow torch until it is cherry red and cool it in water. You now have a soft copper washer which will make a much better seal.

[Winchweight]

Good advice, thank you.

[Ant-t]

Yes, a good tip, must try that on my next oil change

[California Dreamin]

The next time you change the oil (6 months), you should anneal the copper washer to soften the copper again so it seals properly. Every time you tighten up the drain plug, it hardens the copper so it is less likely to seal as well.

To do this just heat it with a blow torch until it is cherry red and cool it in water. You now have a soft copper washer which will make a much better seal.

Really lol..... yes it will soften the copper, however, the whole reason for changing (the collapsible/crush washer) is that when it is tightened the soft copper collapses forming the seal...annealing doesn't 'UN-collapse' the washer.

The copper washer should be changed at EVERY oil change...not changing it is often the reason for leaks and the 'temptation' to tighten it up that little bit more! eventually leading to stripped threads.

Change them every time you tight wads:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007OUUWAC/ ... 2BFS7GQD1V" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[mbcamper]

Agreed a crush washer should be replaced, but a flat washer which is what my DG van has is fine to anneal.

[California Dreamin]

Still don't agree sorry..they still deform and compress...I was VAG technician for many years and the thought of re-using something as cheap as a 40p copper washer is just ridiculous, I don't know why people are even suggesting it! madness Aren't we supposed to be promoting 'Best Practice' on here?
You want flat 14mm copper sump washers then here you go....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BargainBitz-Co ... mp+washers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Martin

[Winchweight]

Still don't agree sorry..they still deform and compress...I was VAG technician for many years and the thought of re-using something as cheap as a 40p copper washer is just ridiculous, I don't know why people are even suggesting it! madness Aren't we supposed to be promoting 'Best Practice' on here?
You want flat 14mm copper sump washers then here you go....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BargainBitz-Co ... mp+washers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Martin

Ordered thanks chap.

[silverbullet]

Someone will be advocating squeezing Nylocs up in a vice for a second use next...

(yes, I have done that in times of desperation)

Ich fahre einen Bulli. Ich hilfe mir selbst...meistens!

[syncroandy]

Aren't we supposed to be promoting 'Best Practice' on here?

[itchyfeet]

Is a few oil drips really an issue?
I'd say that use of a torque wrench on WBX sump plugs is far more important than the copper washer fitted or not.

[mioba]

WBX OR NOT

Sump nuts only need nipping up so they crush the washer and that provides enough bite for them to be tight.

Never used a torque wrench on a sump nut with a crush washer ever.

Just my 2 washers worth!

[CovKid]

Nah, breaker bar and a six foot scaffold tube slid over the end.