Aluminum Crush Washer Advice

[tailwind22]

I always replace all crush washers for an oil change. I just completed dismantling my 3.2 to install a new oil pressure sensor. I am now reassembling and thought that I had ordered two washers for the bolt going through the aluminum manifold that the sensor screws into but only one came (my mistake). Do I dare re-use one of the washers from the disassembly or wait another week and pay $6 shipping for a 25 cent washer? It would be a true ***** to have to take it apart again. Thanks for the advice in advance.

[juanbenae]

ive flipped crush washers over for reuse to "re-crush" w/o any issues.

[Arne2]

You could probably re-use one without too much chance of a problem. But there's really nothing all that special about them, you should be able to buy one locally. Just take one to your FLAPS and match it up.

[Bob Kontak]

I would take Arne2's advice. I would use car 311's option but the oil sending unit is a bit of a pain to R&R so 20 minutes to the parts store and back is good insurance.

[HFR_Racer]

I've wet sanded them slightly with 1000 grit and re-installed if I'm in a pinch.

[Ronnie's.930]

I have re-used crush washers over and over on every machine I have ever owned and never had a problem doing so . . .

[Tippy]

I have re-used crush washers over and over on every machine I have ever owned and never had a problem doing so . . .

Ditto

[95avblm3]

I take a fine file and file both sides of my crush washers and reuse them. Haven't had a problem yet. You just want to make sure you take down any high points from the previous "crush" that may prevent it from sealing when you torque it down.

[haycait911]

Originally Posted by HFR_Racer

I've wet sanded them slightly with 1000 grit and re-installed if I'm in a pinch.

I've done similar with 280 grit on a piece of glass. use your finger to rub the washer on the flat till the surface if uniform. like new. make sure there's no cracks in the edges first.

[Ramathorn]

Id honestly just order a new one just for piece of mind. While you're ordering that one Id also just order some other odds and ends that are useful to have around i.e. new belt (s), fuses, bronze pedal bushings, motor/ tranny mounts, relay's, crush washers for future oil changes, filters, ect. For me having a couple things just laying around that's an upgrade/ maintenance is nice to have on hand when i have nothing else to do around the house and want to work on the car a little bit.

[tailwind22]

Thanks for the input. In our one horse town I was able to find a 12mm crush washer and file down the outside diameter. Probably could have got away with reusing them but let me tell you, the oil pressure sensor replacement is one painful, test of fortitude processes that I hope not to repeat in the near future. Thanks.

[Quicksilver]

A second of the washer is rarely a problem.

I always do a quick and dirty annealing of the washer so it will be soft to form a good seal. Hang the washer from something round like the shaft of a screwdriver that will allow you to turn it without drawing out heat. Heat it with a propane torch watching for the surface to change. It will give you a little warning before it melts away. Then drop it in water. If you take care of the work hardening then you can reuse it till it becomes too thin to allow itself to conform to the sealing area.

[JJ 911SC]

These .25 parts are always pain in the a$$ when you need one.

Nothing new, but every time that I order an item that need one, I order couple of spare.

[Plavan]

I could find copper crush washers locally.

[timmy2]

Copper will work.
Lowe's has aluminum washers in a special fasteners drawer. Maybe they have one the right size.