Just some info about the aluminum crush washer

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 15 Apr 2006, 22:02

Was asked by someone on another forum what size aluminum washer he needed for his oil drain plug. He didn't have one and was going to look for one at AutoZone. Of course the best course of action is to order them when you get your oil filters at some place like fcpgroton.com but if you are ever in this predicament, here's is the size (I just measured, and it's easy to remember this!):
1. Diameter is exact size of a quarter (U.S. 25cents).
2. Hole in the middle is exact diameter size of a dime (U.S. 10cents).
(take a quarter & dime with you if you ever have to buy one at a parts store)

This crush washer size evidently applies to all FWD and AWD Volvo's (not sure about RWD Volvo's).

Remember that no matter what, NEVER USE A COPPER WASHER. It is too hard and will strip the threads on your aluminum oil pan.

Hope this information helps someone.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 16 Apr 2006, 06:55

Wow, very cool. Definitely worthy of being put somewhere where everyone can see it.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 16 Apr 2006, 08:40

Thanks Sean,
I was thinking....if you take a quarter and a dime to an AutoZone, these two pieces of money will probably pay for a couple of these washers as well.
Happy Volvoing!

Post by **hausmeister** » 25 Nov 2006, 15:53

For all non-Americans (like me

):

25c
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in)
10c
Diameter: 17.91 mm (0.705 in)

(from Wikipedia)

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 26 Nov 2006, 09:06

After the second oil change on the 850 I went with a Fumoto brass valve with extended nipple. Happy customer. No problems with oil changes, no more hassel with crush washers, and no need for a oil plug wrench. It does drain at a slower rate so I do have time to pull the filter and perform my other service checks during the standard service. I have over 120K on the valve on the 850, 90K on the valve on the F150, 25K on the ES330, and 80K on the valve on the 944 with no leaks or any issues.

http://www.fumotovalve.com/

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 26 Nov 2006, 10:53

Tsquared wrote:After the second oil change on the 850 I went with a Fumoto brass valve with extended nipple. Happy customer. No problems with oil changes, no more hassel with crush washers, and no need for a oil plug wrench. It does drain at a slower rate so I do have time to pull the filter and perform my other service checks during the standard service. I have over 120K on the valve on the 850, 90K on the valve on the F150, 25K on the ES330, and 80K on the valve on the 944 with no leaks or any issues.

http://www.fumotovalve.com/

Do you remember which model Fumoto valve you have?

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 26 Nov 2006, 11:24

F-104 N The nipple is optional. Their website recomends an adapter but it is not required. It is a close fit. I used silicon pipe dope on the threads when I installed it.

Sweet Wagon · Post by **Sweet Wagon** » 27 Nov 2006, 08:10

I've always used a couple of layers of silicone tape on all of my cars, here and overseas, without any issues. I'll usually keep the existing washer and just have some silicone tape on the end of the bolt and the beginning of the washer.

I'm sure that some will have issues with that, but it's worked for me, and even my VW's stopped marking their territory after doing that.

That little F-104 N looks good though, I may have to switch to that...

Mr-Wong · Post by **Mr-Wong** » 01 Dec 2006, 01:39

For folks living in the San Francisco Bay Area:

I took my car in for a 60k service at Carlsen Volvo in Palo Alto. They managed to remove my fumoto valve and then charge me for a fresh OEM Volvo plug. I didn't even realize this until a few days later when I looked under the car and saw the shiny new plug looking back at me. I took the car back and they replaced my fumoto valve and refunded the $3.xx that they charged for the new plug. I had to wait over an hour while the mechanic went to retrieve the valve, I'm assuming from his home.

Post by **akitawagon** » 01 Dec 2006, 15:47

That's interesting. Did they expect you to not notice the valve missing?

Did they give you any explanation for what they did?