Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Supersports: SS / SuperSport / Supersport 950 > Oil drain copper washer

[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