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 Posted: Apr 24, 2023 09:57PM
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It's difficult to say for certain without more information, but it's possible that the particle-board washers were being used as shims to adjust the tightness of the oil drain plug. If you discard these washers and use only the copper washer, it's possible that the plug could end up too tight or too loose, potentially leading to leaks or damage.  

 Posted: Jul 23, 2014 01:40PM
 Edited:  Jul 23, 2014 01:40PM
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 They're just so easy to lose if you don't keep them somewhere  Drain plug washer classic mini

 

 

 Posted: Jul 23, 2014 09:52AM
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US

The reason the copper washer did not fit is that you have an oversized plug like this one, intended to repair stripped cases:

//minimania.com/part/DP2/Drain-Plug-With-Self-Tapping-Threads-Mini--Mini-Cooper

 

I routinely found those larger fiber washers cobbled onto oversize plugs.  I do like the 'captive' o-ring style, and in fact in the later 80s, you'll find them on the oil pipe banjo bolt.... they work fine on the standard size drain plug!

 Posted: Jul 21, 2014 03:41AM
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US

My mistake Robin.   

Ian, the fiber washers are fine also.  None of the alternate sealing washers are expensive or hard to find. 

Doug L.
 Posted: Jul 21, 2014 01:56AM
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Don't know if the suggestd solutions are difficult to find/expensive... However, simple generic fibre washers are a cheap one shot solution. And I haven't stripped  a drain plug in around 40 years.  KISS

Cheers, Ian

 Posted: Jul 20, 2014 07:47PM
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US
Quote:
Originally Posted by dklawson
Quote:
Originally Posted by zippypinhead

I'm going to channel Cheleker here....
From another thread easily found by a simple search of the forum:

I didn't realize Chuck had posted that information.  I usually suggest the bonded metal/rubber seal.  You are looking for Dorman/Motormite 65629.  They sometimes have these out on the aisle of the parts store, sometimes they have them in back on the shelves behind the counter.

 

Sorry for the confusication Doug. Both you and I have recommended the steel/rubber washers for a while. Does a fine job and avoids the over-tightening that strips the threads on the box. (bad day when that happens)
The reference to Chuck was about the search feature....



 Posted: Jul 20, 2014 02:16PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zippypinhead

I'm going to channel Cheleker here....
From another thread easily found by a simple search of the forum:

I didn't realize Chuck had posted that information.  I usually suggest the bonded metal/rubber seal.  You are looking for Dorman/Motormite 65629.  They sometimes have these out on the aisle of the parts store, sometimes they have them in back on the shelves behind the counter.

 

Doug L.
 Posted: Jul 20, 2014 12:39PM
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Thanks.  I appreciate all your responses. Turns out the copper washers I bought on this site do not fit the drain plug of my 998cc.  Went to the store, and got the right size. 

1988 Mini Mayfair 998c, aka The Ship of Theseus. 

 Posted: Jul 20, 2014 11:42AM
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US

Whatever you use is preference. Yes, you can discard the old cork part. I personally don't like any cork gaskets. As they get saturated and old they tend to just fall apart. I use the copper crush washer that deforms to the imperfections of the two mating surfaces. If I ever find a suitable rubber gasket that is the perfect balance of strong, durable, and sealing, I'll promptly switch to it. 

 Posted: Jul 20, 2014 11:21AM
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what's important is that you get a sealing washer that you don't have to overtighten to seal the plug!

Mini's are like buses they come along in a bunch

 Posted: Jul 20, 2014 10:40AM
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Thanks.  I take this to mean that I shouldn't or don't need to reuse the washers I found already on the plug. And, as I mentioned, I have purchased the copper washers sold on this site, so I will use one of those.  It sounds like the cork/particle-board washers just serve the same function, rather than providing any additional benefit.   

 

1988 Mini Mayfair 998c, aka The Ship of Theseus. 

 Posted: Jul 20, 2014 08:25AM
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US

I'm going to channel Cheleker here....
From another thread easily found by a simple search of the forum:

Walk into your local parts store. They usually will have some generic oil drain washers in the "help" section. What you are looking for is a steel washer with kind of an o-ring molded in the hole. A 14mm will screw right on to the threads of your drain plug. I re-use mine for 3-4 oil changes. Shouldn't cost more than a couple of bucks.

Edited to add: Using a washer like this means you don't have to go "gorrilla" on the drain plug to get a seal... less chance of stripping the threads.

 Posted: Jul 20, 2014 07:35AM
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Another day, another question as I try to sort out the mysteries of my new 1988 mini (998cc).  I am doing an oil change and found these three washers (seem to be made out of some kind of particle-board material) on the oil drain plug.  Can I safely discard these in favor of the copper washer I just got from our host?  Thanks!

Oil plug washers

 

1988 Mini Mayfair 998c, aka The Ship of Theseus.