[Vwdiesel] TDI oil plug

[mikitka]

Couldn't one just anneal the copper washer, make it soft again to where it
would seal. Just takes a little bit of time to heat it up until it glows and
then let it cool down. I know the cost of a new one isn't much but if you
don't have a chance to get one or have some time it would work.
Nick
 

I'll second that.

Dad's TDI was leaking out the oil plug, so when I did
a change, I noticed that the copper gasket had several
different grooves smashed in it.  Replacing it solved
that problem.

In a conversation with the mechanic, he said they have
had lots of cars with aluminum pans come in with
stripped threads on the plug.  He said the problem
stems with people reusing the copper gaskets.  What
happens is that it takes more torque to get it to
seal, to crush that copper a little bit more.  

That strips the threads in the pan.  He has seen them
where the threads are nearly stripped and then when
you go to loosen the plug, it simply popps them loose
and they come out with the plug.

Needless to say, I bought several gaskets for the next
round of oil changes!

David


--- James Hansen <jhsg at sasktel.net> wrote:

> I do replace the copper washer periodically, it
> keeps the oil in better 
> over the long haul.
> 
> I would have to review the TSB's again, but I think
> the bolt replacement 
> was to cure a cash drawer problem in the dealership
> parts department.
> 
> -james
> 
> Val Christian wrote:
> > Apparently VW recommends replacement of the oil
> plug bolt on the 
> > TDI engine.  They sell the bolt (plug) with a
> gasket washer.
> > 
> > Does anyone know the rationale for this?  
> > 
> > The only thing I can come up with is that the pan
> is Al, the gasket
> > Cu, and the bolt steel.  
> > 
> > Val