Stupid noob question- copper washers
- Thread starter laserjock
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Macrobb
Full Access Member
I just grabbed the OD with a pair of vice grips. The pintle that it slides on is mostly solid steel, and very strong steel too. Never had a problem.
of course, I've also re-used injectors with copper rings attached, as long as the ring looks OK - as long as the injector is torqued down, I've not had any issues. A loose/not-fully-seated injector will end up with soot filling up the free space in the bore until it seals itself, but getting that crud out later on is annoying.
of course, I've also re-used injectors with copper rings attached, as long as the ring looks OK - as long as the injector is torqued down, I've not had any issues. A loose/not-fully-seated injector will end up with soot filling up the free space in the bore until it seals itself, but getting that crud out later on is annoying.
I did exactly what you said. It wasn't as stuck as I thought.
The reason you aren't supposed to re-use copper gaskets is that they work harden. Once they've been torqued down the become harder and hence don't conform and seal. I deal with it in vacuum systems all the time. Can you get away with reusing?Sure sometimes. If it's something that's hard to take apart I don't usually chance it unless I have to. This seems to fit that category.
The reason you aren't supposed to re-use copper gaskets is that they work harden. Once they've been torqued down the become harder and hence don't conform and seal. I deal with it in vacuum systems all the time. Can you get away with reusing?Sure sometimes. If it's something that's hard to take apart I don't usually chance it unless I have to. This seems to fit that category.
Kiwif150
Full Access Member
If you are really stuck you can anneal the copper washers ( as long as they are substantial enough) with an oxy torch - that softens them up so that when you crush them they will seal properly.
Yes, they absolutely can be re-annealed if they aren't too distorted. The proper way to do that is outside of my expertise. I know I have seen it done on really large vacuum seals (read really expensive and or custom made) but typically they are cheap enough it's not worth it.
