Crush Washers

[brettironbutt]

I bought some copper crush washers at a higher end auto parts store in Sweden. The reason was that the flat copper washers I was using for the oil plug were leaking unless I really cranked down on them, and I do not want to strip the oil pan threads. So.... I inherited a few copper crush washers when I bought the bike from the original owner. The new ones have a seam on one side. The originals seem not to have a seam. In the picture, the two washers at the top are the new ones (both sides represented), the washer below is the original.

Are do I put the seam up or down when I use them on the oil plug?
Are these the wrong ones, period?
Is there an alternative?

Thanks!
v-r
Brett

[Micha]

I use thrust washers with a viton o-ring.

[Daves79x]

Not a fan of the rolled copper crush washers.

Dave

[strichzwei]

I can't see why the orientation would matter, but would love to hear from someone that has an opinion.
I have used these hundred of times and do not pay attention to the orientation.
scott

[schrader7032]

I have a copper crush washer but the copper completely overlaps itself...there is nothing exposed on the inside.

[brettironbutt]

I use thrust washers with a viton o-ring.

Micha... can you tell me where you get them, and what size? That looks like a great option. Thanks!
vr
Brett

[jimkav]

I use thrust washers with a viton o-ring.

Same- please post where to purchase
Thanks

[Seek]

There is not really anything wrong with these copper crush washers. And it doesn't matter on which side the seams go, but I install them with the seam towards the oil pan. They are really only one time use. Aluminium crush washers are even a bit better, they seal better with less torque.

As usual, better is the enemy of good enough. There is no need for expensive special design washers in this application.

[brettironbutt]

Thanks sir!

[Slash2]

I’ve been told that aluminum crush washers are softer and require less torque to effectively seal than copper so that’s what I use.

Thoughts from the group?