Just some info about the aluminum crush washer

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 01 Dec 2006, 19:02

I would have been pissed.

Post by **gregorj** » 06 Feb 2007, 00:59

I just picked up the replacement crush washers from the dealership and they are copper. At least they are copper colored. Plus the I.D. is just a bit bigger than a dime.

Do you believe that strongly that you shouldn't use a copper washer?

Where would I find the better part?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Feb 2007, 05:42

Don't use copper....the oil pan is aluminum...it will stress the threads when you try to compress it. I can't believe your dealer. There is an actual Volvo part number associated with the aluminum washer. You can get the correct washers at www.fcpgroton.com Order 20 or so and you'll be set for many oil changes to come as well as any transmission flushes you decide to do.

greasefingerss · Post by **greasefingerss** » 06 Feb 2007, 05:57

I use fiber washers for most fill & drain plugs. I use a torque wrench on water pumps and similar items but not on something so simply as a drain plug. Just apply some common sense and realize that aluminum threaded holes are not as strong as carbon steel. In an emergency, one could even make their own washer out of cork sheet, if available. I have even re-used aluminum washers 2 or 3 times without any leaks. But you must check them if you do this.

Please realize that Teflon tape is a Band-aid fix on parallel threads, as this is a non-interference sealing thread. Tapered thread types like NPT & BSP use Teflon tape, as it is the threads that provide the sealing. On straight threads it

Mike850 · Post by **Mike850** » 12 Feb 2007, 09:18

The Aluminum crush washer from FCP Groton is cheap: only 10 cents!

I don't know what they cost at AutoZone but I'm ordering a half dozen along with a magnetic oil drain plug for $4.50.

These should be a staple in everyone's tool kit: http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850tuneup.htm

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Feb 2007, 10:34

Mike850 wrote:The Aluminum crush washer from FCP Groton is cheap: only 10 cents! I don't know what they cost at AutoZone but I'm ordering a half dozen along with a magnetic oil drain plug for $4.50.

These should be a staple in everyone's tool kit: http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850tuneup.htm

Good call...I agree

PerryRT · Post by **PerryRT** » 16 Feb 2007, 12:34

I just picked up the replacement crush washers from the dealership and they are copper. At least they are copper colored. Plus the I.D. is just a bit bigger than a dime.

It might be that they're plated with something copper colored (cadmium, most likely). If you got a bunch, take one and scrape it with a knife blade or something else hard - see if the color changes. (then throw that one out if you're really picky.) (Or rub it on some sandpaper, same idea.)

If so, the coating is to increase corrosion resistance - pure aluminum is pretty prone to corrosion.

If it's copper all the way through, it might STILL be aluminum - they can alloy aluminum with almost anything (most aircraft aluminum, frinstance, is alloyed with other stuff - mostly copper or magnesium, but other stuff too.)

Bottom line is that if you got them from the dealer, I'd be likely to believe that they're the right ones.

Mike850 · Post by **Mike850** » 16 Feb 2007, 12:38

Richard,
Just out of curiosity, how much did you pay for them? They are only 10 cents at fcpgroton online.

PerryRT · Post by **PerryRT** » 16 Feb 2007, 13:39

I honestly don't remember the last time I bought some (for our Bug - I'm a new Volvo owner and haven't done an oil change yet), but I think $0.10 each sounds about right. Really, I wouldn't bother getting them from an internet source unless I was buying something else (unless there was free shipping & handling). Aluminum crush washers are a pretty routine item at any FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Store), so once you know the diameter you need (and you do, thanks to this thread), it shouldn't present a problem.

Worst problem is finding the little envelope of these suckers 3000 miles down the road. I finally did the classic "baby-food jar screwed into the shelf" trick on that one.

I also seem to remember that the local NAPA store in Kansas (last place I lived) would throw in one free upon request when you bought a filter. Small towns - gotta love 'em!

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 20 Feb 2007, 16:38

About the fumoto valve...what is meant by the nipple and adapter. I want to use them on an 850, S-40 and Mercedes 300te.