Re-using filler and drain plug gaskets

[LKruger]

I'm looking at servicing my gear oil (Pajero III V6 3.5) and need to know if the diff/trans-case drain-fill gaskets are re-usable ?

[Pietsweis]

I wouldn't risk it, you have too much to lose when a leaking gasket starts it's nonsense. Why re-use? they are cheap enough.

[LKruger]

Phoned Imperial Mitsu:

Apparently each plug needs 2 washers:
6x R21.75 - copper washer
6x R22.30 - aluminium washer

R264 for everything. :/ seems rather expensive but will go this route.

[Racer-X]

i am sure it would be cheaper to buy a set of copper washers from Addendorf or Midas?

[LKruger]

i am sure it would be cheaper to buy a set of copper washers from Addendorf or Midas?

Very likely.
I might go that route once I take the old washers out and can match them against the aftermarket ones.

[Olyfboer]

Phoned Imperial Mitsu:

Apparently each plug needs 2 washers:
6x R21.75 - copper washer
6x R22.30 - aluminium washer

R264 for everything. :/ seems rather expensive but will go this route.

The cost of a big breakfast and coffee for two at a franchise restaurant is worth more than the peace of mind regarding your engine?

[reflex]

I've had pretty bad luck reusing old sump plug gaskets on our old Toyota Conquest. Always leaks on second use...
Just check as to why some are aluminium and not copper (vice versa). Could be material difference to prevent galvanic corrosion or something like that

[Die SwartKat]

I've been using the old washers for a 2nd time for years, on all my vehicles.

Never ever had a problem and have never lost a drop of oil.

[Olyfboer]

I've been using the old washers for a 2nd time for years, on all my vehicles.

Never ever had a problem and have never lost a drop of oil.

Probably because you don't overtighten like most South Africans do. The standard to tighten anything in SA is to turn until it strips the thread and then a quarter turn back.

[reflex]

Probably because you don't overtighten like most South Africans do. The standard to tighten anything in SA is to turn until it strips the thread and then a quarter turn back.

That might be why mine leaked on second use as I torqued them to spec. My one friend said just tighten it like 10Nm more if it was going in to a steel oil pan. Could work but I don't like it.

[Mars67]

I always have a variety of copper washers available. I check the washer to see if it has damage or the potential to leak. Engine sump washers which are removed and re-installed more often are more likely to have damage and if there is any doubt I replace them. Gearbox drain and filler washers are removed far less and it has been my experience that they are far less likely to have damage. If there is no visible damage I re-use them. I have never had a leak.

I have a problem paying a premium for a copper washer that Mitsubishi or any other car manufacturer (sourced from someone else) is now selling as original equipment spares.

Believe me you are not going to compromise your engine or gearbox using a non-oem copper washer. The worst that could happen is a very slow leak and the irritation of having to clean that up and replace the washer. Rather spend the difference on better oil.

Seeing as you are replacing the oil yourself you should check for leaks a day later in any event, regardless of if you replaced the washer with a new one or not.

It is not a good idea to torque the plugs over spec. Rather replace the washer with a new one if you are in doubt. It is through repeated over tightening that the threads start getting damage and eventually strip. Particularly in Aluminium.

[Die SwartKat]

Probably because you don't overtighten like most South Africans do. The standard to tighten anything in SA is to turn until it strips the thread and then a quarter turn back.

I must say I am very aware on the over tightening stuff even though I don't even own a torque wrench.

Maybe I just have a natural feeling for when something is tight enough, maybe I got lucky.

But I have always serviced all my vehicles (8 of them) and when the manufacturer requires it. That's a lot of washers over the years. No problem.

Very few things that p$sses me off more than to strip something.

[Die SwartKat]

I always have a variety of copper washers available. I check the washer to see if it has damage or the potential to leak. Engine sump washers which are removed and re-installed more often are more likely to have damage and if there is any doubt I replace them. Gearbox drain and filler washers are removed far less and it has been my experience that they are far less likely to have damage. If there is no visible damage I re-use them. I have never had a leak.I have a problem paying a premium for a copper washer that Mitsubishi or any other car manufacturer (sourced from someone else) is now selling as original equipment spares.Believe me you are not going to compromise your engine or gearbox using a non-oem copper washer. The worst that could happen is a very slow leak and the irritation of having to clean that up and replace the washer. Rather spend the difference on better oil.Seeing as you are replacing the oil yourself you should check for leaks a day later in any event, regardless of if you replaced the washer with a new one or not.It is not a good idea to torque the plugs over spec. Rather replace the washer with a new one if you are in doubt. It is through repeated over tightening that the threads start getting damage and eventually strip. Particularly in Aluminium.

Agree with absolutely everything here.

[Alberto]

why the most men overtighten the sump plugs is that they think it could leak,

it is a natural thing ,i have used the same washers over and over again ,might be lucky and as SWARTKAT said if you have the feeling to tighten bolts you are ok then,

if a plug starts to seat then it i just give it a slightly more pressure ,thats it .

[reflex]

why the most men overtighten the sump plugs is that they think it could leak,

it is a natural thing ,i have used the same washers over and over again ,might be lucky and as SWARTKAT said if you have the feeling to tighten bolts you are ok then,

if a plug starts to seat then it i just give it a slightly more pressure ,thats it .

This sounds like a good strategy because if you over tighten it the first time that washer is doomed from the start