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What size are these?
Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:00 pm
by IronMonkeyL255
And by these, I am referring to the copper washers for the steering rack.
I appear to have a very slow PS fluid leak, and I have pretty much tracked it down to be at the fittings on the left side of the rack. It looks to just be 2 banjo fittings with copper washers on either side of the fitting.
Instead of just tightening it down, I figured I may as well just replace the washers.
Anyone happen to know what size they are?
Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:09 pm
by 206er
I think you can reuse copper washers by annealing them. you have to heat them up and cool very fast, copper anneals in the reverse way from steel.
maybe yours are borked though, I dunno the size.
Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:56 pm
by IronMonkeyL255
So maybe just heat them up with a MAP torch and then throw them in some water?
edit:
Just found this on a british sports car forum (I think...).
Copper is used where you want an oil seal, for instance on a sump plug or oil banjo. You need to anneal a used copper washer before reusing it by heating it to a dull cherry red and tossing it into cold water. Then clean the oxide off with wire wool. They can be reused indefinitely. I always put a bit of 'Wellseal on them when fitting so they have a good seal.
Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:12 pm
by vrg3
MAPP or propane will do fine.
You're actually not trying to cool them fast; cooling them too fast could theoretically leave them hardened. But for that to actually be a risk you'd have to use liquid nitrogen or something. You quench them in water so that you don't have to wait too long before they're handleable.
Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:21 pm
by IronMonkeyL255
Works for me. I don't happen to have any liquid nitrogen sitting around, so it look like it'll be water for me.
I'll probably do this next week after installing a bunch of goodies on my uncle's car (RSB, SS brake lines, etc....)
Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 5:42 pm
by IronMonkeyL255
Sorry to drag this up.
I just tried this with my oil drain plug gasket and WOW, did it ever make a difference. I highly recommend doing this, as it makes the gaskets/washers much softer and able to make a better seal.