Sonor Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Does anyone know where I could pick up a crush washer for my R1200RT oil drain plug on a Sunday? Does any auto parts place carry them? My last bike, R1100R, used a very thin crush washer that came with the BMW oil filter. I have purchased a WIX filter for the bike and am without a washer. Got any ideas or do i just wait and go to the dealer? Link to comment
Selden Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Does anyone know where I could pick up a crush washer for my R1200RT oil drain plug on a Sunday? Does any auto parts place carry them? My last bike, R1100R, used a very thin crush washer that came with the BMW oil filter. I have purchased a WIX filter for the bike and am without a washer. Got any ideas or do i just wait and go to the dealer? Wrap the the threads with Teflon pipe joint tape. It seals and provides an interference fit so the drain plug won't loosen up. I've been using the stuff for 30 years without a problem. Link to comment
terryofperry Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Every auto place should have it. Look up the size in the parts fiche or take the old one with ya. Terry Link to comment
Rinkydink Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Slight hijack.... Selden, thanks for the great idea for my leaky airhead. Now back to you're regularly scheduled programming. Link to comment
johnlt Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 I'v used the same crush washer multiple times for many years. Never a problem. Link to comment
bobbybob Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 I'v used the same crush washer multiple times for many years. Never a problem. Same here. Its soft aluminum and conforms to the slight irregularities of the mating surfaces to form a tight seal. As long as it hasn't gotten flattened out to where its getting too thin to work, should be just fine to re-use. Link to comment
hopz Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Take old one... clean it... put it flat on very fine sandpaper... rub around a little bit, clean it... install. Good to go. Link to comment
lkchris Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Crush washer does same thing as a lock washer--except only once. Link to comment
Selden Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Take old one... clean it... put it flat on very fine sandpaper... rub around a little bit, clean it... install. Good to go. Somewhere in the ancient past, I seem to remember a recommendation to anneal the crush washer if you are going to reuse it. Link to comment
aggieengineer Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Take old one... clean it... put it flat on very fine sandpaper... rub around a little bit, clean it... install. Good to go. Somewhere in the ancient past, I seem to remember a recommendation to anneal the crush washer if you are going to reuse it. That's a good practice. Annealing copper washers for aircraft spark plugs is done all the time. Aluminum is a bit trickier, since the temperature can't be estimated by sight, and not all alloys are equally suitable. An old trick is to coat the washer with soot from an acetylene torch, and then warm it with a propane torch until the soot begins to burn off. I've also sanded the imperfections off the surface, and sprayed a coat of Permatex gasket sealer on both sides. Never had a problem with leaking. Still, it's so much easier to use a new washer! Link to comment
Selden Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Still, it's so much easier to use a new washer! What's the cheapest thing about a BMW...? Link to comment
johnlt Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 The issue is typically not the cost of a new washer, but the availability at the time you need one. Link to comment
billp Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 I buy (10) from Beemer Boneyard and hang them on a nail in my garage. Link to comment
Sonor Posted January 13, 2012 Author Share Posted January 13, 2012 Obviously I need to deal more with BeemerBoneYard. I just went to the dealer and they are charging (get this) $2 a washer. THAT IS INSANE!!! Link to comment
Nice n Easy Rider Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Obviously I need to deal more with BeemerBoneYard. I just went to the dealer and they are charging (get this) $2 a washer. THAT IS INSANE!!! Maybe, maybe not! It probably costs them just as much to order, process, inventory and sell that crush washer as a much larger (and profitable part). I'm guessing they stock such more as a service that a revenue generator. The fact that BeemerBoneYard can do better is great and really appreciated. But when you need some mechanical service that you might not be capable of DIY you might appreciate that local dealer still being in business. Just saying! Link to comment
Sonor Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share Posted January 15, 2012 I appreciate the local dealer for his sake, not mine. What I mean is I have a mechanic that is not a dealer that does a much better job and someone that I trust. With the internet and parts ordering (in advance) so easy, it is nice to say there is a dealer close by, but definitely not needed. I understand your point however, my history with the two dealers has left me with the mentality, "if not for my local mechanic, I would not be riding a beemer." Link to comment
K12LTS Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Measure the inside and outside diameter or just take the old one to any auto parts store. It's a standard aluminium washer, nothing special. I've reused them several times. Eventually they will leak a little then I replace them next oil change. Link to comment
spdyjr Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Me and Johnit are on the same page. Well, no, he's on page 1, but use the old one again if you didn't torque it into oblivion the last time you used it. If I had a new one, I'd use it, but I've reused aluminum crush washers many times without leaks. Link to comment
DaveinNCMn Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Wrap the the threads with Teflon pipe joint tape. It seals and provides an interference fit so the drain plug won't loosen up. I've been using the stuff for 30 years without a problem. Yep, been doing the same for over 30 years.... Link to comment
lkraus Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Me and Johnit are on the same page. Well, no, he's on page 1, but use the old one again if you didn't torque it into oblivion the last time you used it. If I had a new one, I'd use it, but I've reused aluminum crush washers many times without leaks. I've been changing my own oil on cars, motorcycles, tractors & lawn mowers for (57-12=45) way longer than I thought. Never replaced a crush washer. Only realized they were supposed to be replaced a few years ago. I've NEVER had a leak at a drain plug. Link to comment
Huzband Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I've been changing my own oil on cars, motorcycles, tractors & lawn mowers for (57-12=45) way longer than I thought. Never replaced a crush washer. Only realized they were supposed to be replaced a few years ago. I've NEVER had a leak at a drain plug. +1. Didn't know they were to be replaced till BMW said so. Honestly, I replace them about once a year or two. If I see seepedge upon an oil change, I'll change it then. I always have a spare or two on hand. Link to comment
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