Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Oil Change Washer

Why do I have to replace the washer with every oil change, of what is it made, and what do I ask for to replace it? Thanks for any input.

You don't need to replace it, that's nonsense. You could reuse the original until your engine wears itself out to scrap and that washer would still be doing its job.

Warren,
Danny's right. I bought a drain plug seal from my dealer when I took over maintenance, I still have it somewhere. It would be nice to have if I ever cut, scratch or mutilate mine. I am at 37,000 miles and have changed oil religiously. The bottom of my bike is as dry as the top. I would send you mine, but what if I fold, spindle or mutilate my original on my next oil change. I got mine from the dealer, I think it's copper. Now that I am using Valvoline's 4 stroke MC oil, I will be changing oil at every 3,000 miles. I actually enjoy changing Vera's oil and she loves it. Maybe it's an old Hardley ritual I learned, but used Triumph oil is a great skin conditioner, sun tan lotion. It really keeps the skin soft and supple. Maybe that's why I look so good after 51 years. Hurricane Arlene is gone, so let's go ride.
Ride Safe,
Dennis

I have the orginal washer on there from October of 2001. I don't plan on changing it anytime soon either as it's in great shape.

While my oil is draining, I re-anneal the washer with a propane torch and then stick it back on there once it's cool. Have done this numerous times and nary a leak....

Phil,
OK, I know this has been discussed before, but what's annealing. You heat the oil plug washer and that's all?

jay

I take a pair of needlenose pliers and grab the washer. Heat the crap out of it all the way around and then set it aside to cool while the bike is draining and I do the filter and clean everything up. By the time I am ready to re-install, it's cool.

I think some people boil it for a period of time too.

The only reason I replaced the washer, was that I either lost it the first time I changed the oil or it was missing from the factory. More than likely I lost it. I just went down to the local auto parts store and bought an assorted pack of oil drain plug washers and found one out of the pack that fit. It's been on the bike ever since.

Tom