3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

re-using copper washers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 03:11 AM
  #1  
cr-rex's Avatar
Thread Starter
half ass 2 or whole ass 1
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (114)
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 489
From: okinawa to tampa
re-using copper washers

im going to be upgrading to ss brake lines soon and am wondering if it would fine to use the washers that are already on my stock lines.

if not, what size washer do i need? theres not mazda part number for them that i can find. is it just a universal fit?
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 05:53 AM
  #2  
Sgtblue's Avatar
Urban Combat Vet
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12,159
Likes: 982
From: Mid-west
Not sure how things are in Japan, but here a good part store should have an assortment. I'd just take the new lines in and match them up. Should be very minimal cost. Makes no sense to re-use IMO.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 07:53 AM
  #3  
RENESISFD's Avatar
Wastegate John
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 9
From: Long Island NY 11746
You may be able to re-use them, however, it is definately not worth it to risk having a leak requiring the removal of the turbos to save a few pennies.

I have reused copper crush washers before with no leaks but if it is in an unaccessable location (like the stock twins), I do not because it isn't worth the risk.

There is nothing special about the stock crush washers but just make sure they are the metric size,but that should not be too much of a problem because you are located in Japan.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 08:28 AM
  #4  
cr-rex's Avatar
Thread Starter
half ass 2 or whole ass 1
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (114)
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 489
From: okinawa to tampa
thanks for the replies. i'll take them to a parts store and see what they say. how would i know if it was a crush washer instead of just a regular copper one?
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2012 | 08:53 AM
  #5  
RENESISFD's Avatar
Wastegate John
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 9
From: Long Island NY 11746
^ They are the same thing.
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 08:55 PM
  #6  
Jodeny's Avatar
Indifferent
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: Long Island,NY
You can reuse them, justbe sure to heat them up to red hot before doing so.
John
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 08:57 PM
  #7  
bajaman's Avatar
Constant threat
Tenured Member 20 Years
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 39
From: near Wichita, Kansas
I re-use copper crush washers all the time as long as they are not too scarred up...it is all about the seal, as others have mentioned. I keep an assortment of these and nylon and steel washers that I pick up as oil plan washer assortments from stores like O'Reilly's or AUTOZONE, etc.
Reply
Old May 2, 2012 | 12:33 AM
  #8  
turbojeff's Avatar
Do it right, do it once
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (30)
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 4,830
Likes: 14
From: Eugene, OR, usa
I have reused them on dozens of cars. The heating as mentioned is key to success.
Reply
Old May 2, 2012 | 08:08 PM
  #9  
bajaman's Avatar
Constant threat
Tenured Member 20 Years
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 39
From: near Wichita, Kansas
What does the heating do...kind of anneal them a bit?
Reply
Old May 2, 2012 | 09:21 PM
  #10  
Sgtblue's Avatar
Urban Combat Vet
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12,159
Likes: 982
From: Mid-west
As I understand it, they're compressed and hardened in use. Heating them softens them up again so they'll seal.

I've re-used them before too...when it's 11:00 PM and I realize I didn't get new crush washers with the parts, or just forgot to get them. After heating I've rub them alittle against a fine stone or sandpaper if there's any ridges. Just seems like less trouble to just get new if you remember.
Reply
Old May 3, 2012 | 12:54 AM
  #11  
Mr rx-7 tt's Avatar
rotary sensei
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,316
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
They are cheap, just buy new ones.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blackball7
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
34
Sep 16, 2015 10:10 AM
BLK 93
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
11
Sep 9, 2015 10:56 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:27 AM.