Oil drain copper washer

[Martini]

I know that you are supposed to replace the copper washer on the oil drain bolt each time you change the oil but who does?

do you?

if so, where can I source replacements - do you have to buy the original ducati ones?

[Iconic944ss]

Erm...NO, hands up - I dont replace it each time.

For a quick replacement - try a plumbing supplier - I had to file it out a little, but for a few pence, it worked a treat.

Cheers - Frank

[nelly]

For what the originals cost, is it really worth not changing it? I've seen a couple leak. Not many but if there's £40 worth of oil splashing around in there, do you really want to drop it again?
Get the 2 washers and filter at the same time and you're sorted.

[Iconic944ss]

Oh Nooooo - I feel so bad now, I do use a torque wrench when fitting it - does that keep me away from the burning hell of the Ducati Bottchers ;)

[Red-Duc]

I think I paid something like 20p for the washers, at that price why not buy a supply so you dont have to take a trip to a ducati dealer next time you change the oil

[tranquil_rage]

I never knew you were meant to replace the washers. On the monster I just sold I did 3 oil changes and never changed them. Not a drop leaked from that.

At that price though I may start doing it just for the sake of it.

[twpd]

I replace all of the drain washers (gauze plug and the drain plug) evertime I change the oil. I order my filters from italia and they always chuck in the washers for me.

[moto748]

Aren't they aluminium?

They are ony my 748; I really can't remember about the 750SS. But yes, the only cost pence.

[Red-Duc]

the ones I got from Ducati Aylesbury looked like they were aluminium

[Martini]

I have to confess that in all the years I've done my own oil changes (since 1976) I have only changed the washer once - and that was when there was a small leak. I've never found it a problem, but I was recently berated by an engineer for not changing the washer. I figure if it don;t leak it must be doing it's job.
With regard to copper vs ally - provided it's soft enough to compress and seal I don't suppose it matters.

[Derek]

You can re-use copper washers if you anneal them first. Heat them to cherry red and plunge into cold water. Better to replace aluminium ones though.

[phil_h]

I re-use both copper and aluminium sealing washers on a variety of engines.
Its the flatness of the sealing surface that matters not the age :)
If you are doing it for a living, or not able to check them - ie if in doubt or in need of reduced hassle factors, then obviously the safe option is to replace;) but its not mandatory.
Oh - and why am I qualified to make a comment ?
Well, if you could see my signature, you could see that I race bikes that are 35 to 45 years old, but still oil-tight ;)