Leaking LN Magnetic Drain Plug!

[maytag]

Originally Posted by piper6909

I get it that it's soft metal, but when I think crush washers I think rolled metal ones that are hollow inside and flatten as you tighten them.

I guess aluminum is more like the cheap version of brass washers.

I can't remember the last time I saw a crush washer of the type you're describing. I HAVE seen them, so I know what you're talking about, but all I've ever seen used over the last 30 years (including factory parts for Porsche & Ferrari) is the Flat Washer of (usually) aluminum, but occasionally copper. (Never brass. Alu and Cu are MUCH more malleable than brass).

Here's the Porsche Brand washer for the referenced application, you'll note it is a flat, alu washer.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/90012310630OEM.htm?pn=900-123-106-30-OEM&bt=Y&fs=0&SVSVSI=1052

Where do YOU buy a crush-washer of the type you're describing?

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by maytag

I can't remember the last time I saw a crush washer of the type you're describing. I HAVE seen them, so I know what you're talking about...

Where do YOU buy a crush-washer of the type you're describing?

Subaru still uses them. In fact, IIRC, that's the first time I heard the term 'crush washer' so naturally that's what I think of when I hear it.

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Subaru-803916010-Gasket-Pack/dp/B00IW33NRO/ref=asc_df_B00IW33NRO/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241948264947&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4423746194248373463&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005888&hvtargid=pla-449381752974&psc=1

Originally Posted by maytag

...Never brass. Alu and Cu are MUCH more malleable than brass...

I always thought they used brass washers on banjo bolts and the like. Maybe it was copper, or a copper alloy that had a brass color.

[10/10ths]

....My point was only that LN lists a torque spec in their instructions.

The torque spec is there for a reason. The reason being that if you OVER torque their magnetic drain plug, the magnetic insert will “spin” inside the plug body and you will develop an oil leak.

That is why you SHOULD use a torque wrench EVERY time on the LN magnetic drain plug. The other issue is that their drain plug has a LOWER torque spec than the OEM drain plug.

So, you have a tool that can tell you exactly what the torque is. It just seems logical that you would want to ensure your car doesn’t develop an oil leak.

As far as the crush washer, well....yeah, you should use a new one every time. The idea is that they CRUSH upon use. So logically, you want one that has not been crushed when you replace it.

Crush washers are less than a dollar each. When you order an oil filter, order a dozen crush washers and you are set for years.

It’s really simple.

My point was that if you invested in a Porsche, invest a few bucks on crush washers and a torque wrench and keep her happy.

That was all.

The cost of ownership includes service.

It’s like guys who buy Mustangs and complain that the rear tires cost $200.

Buying a “cheap” old Boxster gets real expensive if you don’t properly maintain her.

That is what my “washers are cheap and engines are expensive” comment was all about.

Cheers, everyone.

Enjoy the drive.

[Frodo]

As this thread has demonstrated, we don't fully agree here—I have had/used the LN magnetic plug since Aug, 2009, and have never once used a torque wrench on it. And I do think I've kept my machine "happy," notwithstanding having recycled a few crush rings.

That said, I do understand, and respect, what you're saying.

Cheers as well. I will enjoy the drive, have been for 14 years...what's not to enjoy??

[10/10ths]

Watch out for the cops.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Frodo

As this thread has demonstrated, we don't fully agree here

And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Can you imagine how boring that would be?

I respect everyone's input here, whether I agree with it or not. And I can take (and throw) friendly jabs here and there. But I have no personal animus towards anyone.

Right back atcha: Cheers all!

[Frodo]

Maytag!

A few rousing verses of Kumbaya, please!

[rexcramer]

"Can't we all just get along." Rodney King, 1965 - 2012

[steved0x]

Originally Posted by maytag

I can't remember the last time I saw a crush washer of the type you're describing. I HAVE seen them, so I know what you're talking about, but all I've ever seen used over the last 30 years (including factory parts for Porsche & Ferrari) is the Flat Washer of (usually) aluminum, but occasionally copper. (Never brass. Alu and Cu are MUCH more malleable than brass).

Here's the Porsche Brand washer for the referenced application, you'll note it is a flat, alu washer.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/90012310630OEM.htm?pn=900-123-106-30-OEM&bt=Y&fs=0&SVSVSI=1052

Where do YOU buy a crush-washer of the type you're describing?

When I changed out the oil on my Toyota FJ Cruiser diffs and transfer case, a couple of the Toyota washers were like this (and a couple weren't...) I thought it was odd that they all weren't the same, but with the rolled edge you could really see and feel it crush down when you tightened it.

[maytag]

Originally Posted by steved0x

When I changed out the oil on my Toyota FJ Cruiser diffs and transfer case, a couple of the Toyota washers were like this (and a couple weren't...) I thought it was odd that they all weren't the same, but with the rolled edge you could really see and feel it crush down when you tightened it.

yeah, probably like most items, they source from the cheapest mfr with the same spec.

I honestly can't remember the last time I saw a crush-washer like that though. (I've never owned a toyota, believe it or not! I might need to rectify that soon!)

[blue62]

Maytag,

Look at the washer on a spark plug.

[maytag]

Originally Posted by blue62

Maytag,



Look at the washer on a spark plug.

Yeah, but that's an entirely different situation. And, while I get that it IS, I've certainly never referred to that as a crush washer. ;-)

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Homeoboxter]

Not related to this reuse-not-to-reuse debate, but maybe helpful for the OP: I struggled a lot with the oil lines on my motorcycle where I fitted a pressure gauge with banjos. I tried copper and aluminum flat washers, but they all leaked, because the pressure is high at those lines and the thread at the banjo bolt didn`t withstand high torque. So I found these aluminum crush washers with a rubber insert and they worked perfectly. It creates a very good seal even when tightened to a low torque. Newer Japanese bikes use it for brake lines. For example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Oil-Drain-Plug-Metal-Rubber-MR21-Crush-Seal-Washer-Set-of-10-for-Toyota-Lexus/273351435154?hash=item3fa503e392:g:LmkAAOSwSixbRtm 6

Definitely not reusable.

[njbray]

Thanks for all the replies.
So I tested my torque wrench and it is between 19.2 NM and 20.1 NM when set at 19 NM. Not sure if this would damage the plug.
I have read on some other forums that the aluminum washer that comes with them may be too hard and it's better to use a genuine Porsche washer!
Anyway..it's still dripping so I guess I have to swap it out and use a new washer or a new plug!