Originally Posted by
JohnboyLandy
Anyway, I'll order some new copper washers, take the plug to the bolt shop, and mention 3/8 BSPT and see what they say.
They might laugh at you.....
The filler/level plug is 3/8" BSPT, drain plug is 1/4" BSF with a sealing washer. You will struggle to find a bolt shop that carries BSF and may find that they have never heard of it.
The original drain plug had a very long hex section, about 4 times the head depth of a normal bolt. I guess this is because it sits in a recess and it makes it easier to get to.
Some of the washers used are folded over with some sort of gasket material in the middle (asbestos originally no doubt), others are solid copper.
If it's solid copper then heat it up till it's cherry red then quench it in cold water. The copper will be soft again and seal better.
I've done this with the composite ones but the substance in the middle is full of oil so it gets a bit smokey and there are a few flames.....
Quite often new copper washers are supplied 'hard' so you have to anneal them (as above) before they will seal properly.
Some sealant on the threads wouldn't hurt.
Is it definitely the drain plug leaking ? A leak round the edge of the swivel seal would show up at the bottom near the drain plug.
Colin
'56 Series 1 with homemade welder
'65 Series IIa Dormobile
'70 SIIa GS
'76 SIII 88" (Isuzu C240)
'81 SIII FFR
'95 Defender Tanami
'58 Series II (sold)
Motorcycles :-
Vincent Rapide, Panther M100, Norton BIG4, Electra & Navigator, Matchless G80C
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