On 14 Sep 2001 at 18:05, Rico Sapolich wrote:

> In a message dated 9/14/01 10:47:46 AM, abailey@MAC.COM writes:
>
> << Also in on of my books it talks about installing a new copper washer on
> the oil drain plug when changing oil, do any of you do this?
> Thanks, Tony >>
>
> Tony,
> I used to be cavalier about using a new CU washer for the drain plug.  If I
> didn't have a new one, I would lap and anneal the old one and reuse it.  I
> got away with doing this many times.  It only took a stuck drain plug one
> time to cure me of this bad habit.
> Rich

I haven't changed the CU washer on my Jetta TD in at least 4 years,
and it doesn't leak a drop, or stick.
But the threads on my '88 Westy 2.1 had been retapped by the PO for
a larger plug, so obviously there was a problem at some point. Since
there is no room for a washer, I now use RTV silicone on the plug & it
works fine, since I only change it once a year.
I could see the differing metals of the plug/case/washer causing
problems with the WBX, so changing the washer is probably a good
idea...

========================
Shawn Wright
Computer Systems Manager
Shawnigan Lake School
http://www.sls.bc.ca
swright@sls.bc.ca