Wheeping diff plug

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gromit

I don't use anything but anneal the copper washer.
It seems that most sealing washers are supplied dead hard and aren't suitable for sealing. If you re-use a washer they have usually hardened so anneal & re-use.
I don't think I've ever changed the sealing washer on my Defender sump plug despite multiple oil changes.

Colin

---

Hi, can I ask a naïve/stupid question - what process do you actually use to anneal the washer, i.e. heat with what? Cool how - over what time period? etc....

I've never done it before.

Thanks
Wayne

^^ I heat them up with a gas torch (but one could use a gas stove) until they are red then plunging them into water.

Note: for a lot of diff plugs, there is no gasket/washer and no way to add one, especially if they use a plug like this (pic from All Four x 4 Spares):

Attachment 183005

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LR1953

Jeff, for your weeping diff plug, (assuming it's the drain plug) I'd suggest Loctite 567 Master Pipe Sealant, applied to scrupulously clean threads on the plug. The threads on the diff housing will also need to be absolutely clean and dry.

---

While this may be the ideal, it's virtually impossible the get the housing threads oil free after one has topped up the oil. I just wipe the threads, apply Aviation Sealent No.3 to the plug threads and put it in. Works like a charm.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WayneHall

Hi, can I ask a naïve/stupid question - what process do you actually use to anneal the washer, i.e. heat with what? Cool how - over what time period? etc....

I've never done it before.

Thanks
Wayne

---

No such thing as a stupid question....

Hold the washer on a piece of wire and heat with a blowtorch until cherry red, I tend to keep it cherry red for a few seconds.
You can then either let it cool down or normally I quench in water as it removes any scale.

Some of the gearbox/diff washers are rolled copper, these hold a bit of oil so it gets a bit smokey but once burnt off and cherry red quenching in water makes them re-usable.

I've done this with brake copper washers including the large one at the rear of early master cylinders, never had a problem.

As mentioned earlier, a lot of suppliers sell copper washers in a dead hard state making them next to useless in a sealing application.

Colin

Thanks Colin and Ron

I've been upskilled on Saturday morning before I've even had my first cup of tea.

Cheers
Wayne

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by p38arover

^^ I heat them up with a gas torch (but one could use a gas stove) until they are red then plunging them into water.

---

I believe the correct expression is "cherry red". Well, that's what I was taught. I could never determine which variety of cherry was being referred to, nor how ripe.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gromit

No such thing as a stupid question....

---

X2.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gromit

As mentioned earlier, a lot of suppliers sell copper washers in a dead hard state making them next to useless in a sealing application.

Colin

---

Many of them are not copper at all, but recycled fridges or something with a thin copper coating sprayed on. I always check with a magnet. It's often hard to know where a part has actually come from these days.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WayneHall

I've been upskilled on Saturday morning before I've even had my first cup of tea.

---

And without, so far, any arguments. Welcome to AULRO.

Have you considered replacing the sump plug?, The thread may be worn out/stretched on the old one.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tins

I believe the correct expression is "cherry red". Well, that's what I was taught. I could never determine which variety of cherry was being referred to, nor how ripe.

---

Yes, I meant to write that but it was subsequently mentioned so I didn’t worry about amending it.

I just make it bright red as most cherries we get are quite dark. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by p38arover

Yes, I meant to write that but it was subsequently mentioned so I didn’t worry about amending it.

I just make it bright red as most cherries we get are quite dark. :)

---

Yes. I responded to you before I read Colin's comment.

If it must be described by a fruit, maybe the colour of a ripe mango gets close...