NightShadow91

Active Member

• Feb 28, 2021

• #1

Is it common practice to anneal all copper washers before use, no matter where they're used? Is it only for the heavier guage?

Thanks

 

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

• Feb 28, 2021

• #2

NightShadow91 said:

Is it common practice to anneal all copper washers before use, no matter where they're used? Is it only for the heavier guage?

Thanks

Click to expand...

no

 

Nodge68

Well-Known Member

• Mar 1, 2021

• #3

Copper washers should already be soft annealed when freshly bought.

These soft copper washers then work harden the moment they are fitted.
This is why they are replaced, every time they are removed. However if you're desperate and can't get a replacement, it is possible to anneal the old one again, as long as it's kept in mind, that it could be cracked. I've reused copper washers many times on things like injectors, but I'd never reuse them on brake components, simply because it's not safe to do so.

 

kermit_rr

Very

Full Member

• Mar 1, 2021

• #4

Nodge68 said:

I'd never reuse them on brake components, simply because it's not safe to do so.

Click to expand...

surely a connection will either leak, or not? I can't see it would fail over time

 

Nodge68

Well-Known Member

• Mar 1, 2021

• #5

kermit_rr said:

surely a connection will either leak, or not? I can't see it would fail over time

Click to expand...

Copper washers are used in banjo brake fittings, and these can crack and displace rapidly under high braking pressure. So it's best to always replace copper banjo sealing washer.

 

Bantam1

Well-Known Member

• Mar 1, 2021

• #6

Nodge68 said:

Copper washers are used in banjo brake fittings, and these can crack and displace rapidly under high braking pressure. So it's best to always replace copper banjo sealing washer.

Click to expand...

Thems the ones I always reanneal.

 

raywin

Well-Known Member

• Mar 1, 2021

• #7

Annealing them wont hurt, I always do it with new injector washers, not all parts are created equal.
Banjo unions often have a concertina type washers on them and they can re seal but it's much better to replace them, flat ones will be work hardened.

 

L

lynall

Well-Known Member

Full Member

• Mar 1, 2021

• #8

Tbh I have reused old copper washers unannealled many time with no issues, not out of choice I should add, it was needs must so it got done.

 

flat

Well-Known Member

• Mar 1, 2021

• #9

I have never replaced my sump plug copper washer, I just anneal it every time as I ALWAYS forget to buy a new one until I realise when draining the oil

 

boguing

Well-Known Member

Full Member

• Mar 2, 2021

• #10

flat said:

I have never replaced my sump plug copper washer, I just anneal it every time as I ALWAYS forget to buy a new one until I realise when draining the oil

Click to expand...

Like any diligent owner I have plenty of spares for such occasions.

Can never find them though, and the blowlamp is bright yellow.

 

flat

Well-Known Member

• Mar 3, 2021

• #11

boguing said:

Like any diligent owner I have plenty of spares for such occasions.

Can never find them though, and the blowlamp is bright yellow.

Click to expand...

Rothenburg? The click start on mine is broken

but yes, it’s yellow and easy to find lol