Triumphrat

div2 · 09-21-2005

The PO of my 1996 S3 changed the oil without replacing the sealing washer, so of course it's dripping a few drops per day. I want to install a new sealing washer and I understand the OEM Triumph part size is 22mm ODX14mm IDX2 mm width. I don't have time to make a 200mile round trip to the nearest dealer, so my question is, are the OD and width dimensions critical, or will any 14mm ID copper seal ring fit? The oil is only @200 miles and about one month old, so I plan to reuse the oil and not change the filter. Thanks!

cshell · 09-21-2005

Not sure how critical the dimensions are on that part. Have you thought about having the dealer mail you an OEM replacement since it's such a long haul for you?

div2 · 09-21-2005

Well, that's the plan if I can't verify that a regular 14mm seal washer will work.

Speed3 · 09-21-2005

When you drain your oil, take the washer to NAPA and match it. That's what I did, and it hasn't leaked.

div2 · 09-21-2005

Sorry, what I meant to say was the PO didn't use any seal washer at all, so I don't have anything to match up.

geezerx · 09-21-2005

the dimensions you posted in the original thread match the dimensions of the crush-washer currently being sold by my triumph dealer. however, i can't confirm that they are correct for your '96.

2mm is a good ball park figure for thickness of the crush-washer. the id of the crush-washer should be "just" large enough to slide over the drain-plug threads. the od of the crush-washer should be slightly larger than the width of the plug head but no larger than the the flat area on the underside of the oil pan designed to receive it.

you should be able to find a good fit at an auto parts store or a bike shop.

Eldercanuck · 09-22-2005

The last time I went into the local bike shop (non-Triumph) for oil drain plug crush washers, I was told that there are basically only 2 sizes on today's bikes: a 14mm one (like the one you've described - this is also the one that I use on my '05 S3) and one slightly smaller (I used this one on my last Honda). Don't worry about it being a "Triumph OEM" crush washer - any bike shop should have 'em.

div2 · 09-22-2005

Thanks to everyone for the good advice and information; I'll hit a couple of bike shops tomorrow.

dgilmore · 09-22-2005

No real need to drain your oil. I just had a crush washer leak because I used it a second time, so I just loosened the drain plug, while keeping upward pressure on it, and when the threads were all out, I quickly pulled the plug, stuck my thumb over the hole, changed the washer with my free hand, and re-inserted the drain plug. All in all, I only lost a small splash of oil. Really surprised me, as usually, those kinds of things are always disasterous.
Dave

IanB · 09-22-2005

It's just a copper washer so you can anneal it using a blow torch. Take it off the bike first though.