Gearbox Sump Plug Washer Material

[makingplansfor]

Having recently replaced the oil in my Hurth Gearbox I noticed a small leak which I found to be a cracked sump plug washer. The material is a soft white metal which is probably aluminium for which I have failed to find a replacement although Halfords has so far been the only attempt.

Does the washer material matter, or would a copper or fibre washer which are easier to source be ok?

This leads me on to a supplemental question regarding dissimilar metals - if there is good continuity between the steel sump plug and gearbox casing via a copper or aluminium washer is there a problem?

Thanks in anticipation.......

 

[pampas]

your nearest diesel injector specialist should have thick copper washers to hand. No it will not react, not in your lifetime.

 

[VicS]

Very probably aluminium.

If you use copper be prepared to anneal it if its reused after an oil change.

I'd probably use a fibre washer but be prepared not to reuse it.

What material is the gearbox casing? If aluminium maybe copper would not be the best choice.

Nylon may not be a bad choice.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I would use plain fibre washers as used in plumbing and change them when I change the oil. They only cost a few cents anyway. Do not, however, use the graphite coated ones because that would really be asking for corrosion problems.