Copper sump plug crush washers

[Johnbu]

I have replaced the standard sump plug in my MkV GTI (I believe most VAGs use the same sump plug) with a Magnetic sump plug.

Can someone confirm if there are any issues using a copper sump plug crush washer. I think the original looks like steel (washer and bolt is disposed each time).

Also is the size Aluminum Drain Plug Washer M14x20?

[3C4M Guy]

My car's original sump plug installed in the factory was aluminium with an aluminium washer. The dealers always replace these at every service with a new steel plug with a captive steel washer. I was annoyed they threw mine away as it only needed a new washer and could have been used indefinitely. I never felt comfortable that the steel plug used by VW was made of a harder material than the sump.

I too installed a magnetic plug (from ECS Tuning) that was supposed to come with 10 copper washers. I determined the 10 washers I received are actually brass - too hard in my opinion. So I bought a number of aluminium washers - sorry don't know the size.

My own opinion on washers is:
aluminium - best
copper - OK
brass - no
steel - no way

[Umai Naa!!]

They're 14mm ID.

You can pick up bulk lots of them on Ebay for stuff-all.

[Johnbu]

Yeah going to order from eBay, just wanted to confirm the size (14mm).

My car's original sump plug installed in the factory was aluminium with an aluminium washer. The dealers always replace these at every service with a new steel plug with a captive steel washer. I was annoyed they threw mine away as it only needed a new washer and could have been used indefinitely. I never felt comfortable that the steel plug used by VW was made of a harder material than the sump.

I too installed a magnetic plug (from ECS Tuning) that was supposed to come with 10 copper washers. I determined the 10 washers I received are actually brass - too hard in my opinion. So I bought a number of aluminium washers - sorry don't know the size.

My own opinion on washers is:
aluminium - best
copper - OK
brass - no
steel - no way

I'm not sure why they use a steel plug and washer, and then replace both of them. I'd too be upset they if replaced an aluminium plug with a steel one.

You can pick up what looks to be a aluminium plug with magnetic tip for a few dollars on ebay.

I too have the ECS plug. I lost the 10 washers so am looking for replacements. You may be correct, they did look hard so was replaced by an aluminum washer.

I think the plug was over tightened so I can't even get the washer off the plug! Thank god the sump plug hole wasn't damaged.


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[Umai Naa!!]

The washer on the OEM plug is captive.

Over several uses, the washer becomes thinner, the plug distorts, and eventually trashes the thread in the sump.

As cheap $4.50 insurance, dealership practice, is to replace the whole thing each time. Much cheaper than replacing or repairing a sump.

[theresanothersteve]

Be careful mixing and matching metal alloys, some combinations can cause electrolytic reactions. Just ask the owner of an aluminium dinghy what happens if a fishing tackle swivel remains undetected on the floor...

[Lucas_R]

I had a magnetic sump plug and washers from ECS Tuning, but found that i always had oil leaking out. Swapped back to the OEM sump plug and no more leaks.

[Bug_racer]

I had a magnetic sump plug and washers from ECS Tuning, but found that i always had oil leaking out. Swapped back to the OEM sump plug and no more leaks.

Thats because at some stage the plug was overtightened ! Once its overtightened once they start to leak , the more overtightened the worse the leak is . My own Golf R which has 90k kms and oil changed every 5k kms is bone dry .

[Lucas_R]

Thats because at some stage the plug was overtightened ! Once its overtightened once they start to leak , the more overtightened the worse the leak is . My own Golf R which has 90k kms and oil changed every 5k kms is bone dry .

Ahh fair point. I had one on my old Golf R and never had an issue, but it leaked on my GTI....i have now reverted back to OEM plug and its all good again. Never crossed my mind that it may have been damaged from over-tightening.

[Umai Naa!!]

On the GTI with the tin sump, there's a specific plug and separate washer for them. Those, you can just replace the washer on it's own.

If you use the regular plug with the captive washer on them, it'll leak.