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- Dec 7, 2024
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- 37
Does it make a difference whether I use the right OEM specified washer or not? If the inner diameter matches can I use my Nissan copper crush in place of the Honda aluminum gasket or Toyota metal + silicone?
Crush washer truth
- Thread starter TomYoung
- Start date
It makes a difference. Steel to steel use copper. Don't use copper with aluminum.
I’ve been using copper between a steel drain plug and the aluminum oil pan on Volvo I-5 for years and years.
Never heard of this or had an issue. Could you explain.
My dad used to flip them over and use them twice on my mom's 85 Accord. I'm not going to try it on the Kia, they sell me one with every filter and I use them. I ditched the crush washer on the Shadow and bought a Ford-style drain plug with an integrated o-ring. Works perfectly.
Typically you won't have a problem but it not ideal from a galvanic stand point. Steel-copper-aluminum battery. It's more of a problem with extended drains and transmission plugs that are rarely removed.
My Volvo 850 came with an aluminum washer, I used aluminum. My old Volvo's I used copper because steel-steel.
I changed washes exactly once on each car in 11 years about half way thru, and not 'cos they were beat up but 'cos I had some spares and decided to freshen them up. They are alum ones.
I would re-use tranny & diff aluminum crush washers 2X tops on an aluminum case. Engine crush washer 1X on an aluminum pan IF the washer was still in good shape. No more than that. Don't want to risk a gouge or begin a leak. The more you use them, you'll see the deformity, they will get stuck to the plug. No good.
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- Jul 28, 2024
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I don’t question it I just replace with the oe spec’d
You're doin the right thing. Doesn't work that way with my 2 old Toyota's, on the oil pans anyway. Have to use 10mm aluminum crush washers. The OE spec'd loosen up. I think it's the steel pan plug seats got wavy over the years. You can actually see the wave in the washer on the pan side. Not replacing the pans. Threads are not stripped. No rust. Not leaking. Aluminum crush washer fixed it. Some guys got lucky with copper washers. I'll take an aluminum oil pan any day. No problems with my Honda aluminum pan, crush washer. And the aluminum gives you more threads anyway.,,at least on my Honda....
