Oil Change crush washers

azhodge · azhodge's Garage

Driving past the Porsche Dealer, I decided to stop in and pick up some crush washers for an upcoming oil change ( got a free bottle of Porsche h20). Something different happened then the last twenty five years. I told the parts guy I needed two aluminum crush washers, one for the bottom of the engine and one for the oil tank. after a puzzled look from him while starring at the screen, he told my that the one for the bottom of the engine was a different part number. I told him that was strange as I had been using the same two washers for many years. He said he would go back and talk to one of the "older" technicians. After a few minutes he came back and told me that the washer used on the bottom of the engine was actually supposed to be COPPER. I told him that it was new knowledge and I had never heard that. He said they do not stock the copper washer, and that in fact they do not use it even as a dealer. He said he could probably order it. I said just give me two of the aluminum ones, paid the $2.68 and grabbed the Porsche water that probably would of cost ten bucks if I had to pay for it. Made a joke as I left about could people loose points at a concourse event for no copper washer.. Wondering if anyone is familiar with this situation or has a comment??

SCadaddle · 05-13-2017, 12:21 PM

Called my local dealership a few weeks ago for the drain plug washers. They had 1 (ONE) in stock. Told them that didn't do me much good as I needed 2.

Called the local Indy shop and they had 17 on hand. I took 6 of them at 25 cents each figuring I'll probably lose the other 4 in the next 2 years.

manbridge 74 · 05-13-2017, 12:23 PM

Well, I believe both washers have been aluminum since time began.

Howerver, a copper washer is typically used on a steel to steel interface like in GT3 etc with a steel plug and oil tank but it uses an aluminum washer on steel plug and alloy case. On a 9x6 using a copper washer on alloy plug and alloy case might result in a leak but I imagine a guy could get it to seal if he was careful. You did the right thing. Clear as mud?