Just curious if the brass washers that act as gaskets for the bolts that thread into my fuel delivery pipes (89 3.0L) are reusable or not. I know I've reused similar washers in similar bolts, but for brakes. They held up fine, but is this a good idea?

RETARDEDLY expensive gasget kit for this rebuild should have these washers, shouldn't they?

I also just realized looking back at my pics that I put fuel del pipes on top of two rubber spacers, (should be speacer-del pipe- spacer but i put it spacer-spacer-del pipe) so im taking em all off anyway, but will have no way to get these washers until possibly monday.

 

I think I'd be more likely to reuse them on fuel systems than on brakes. After all what happens when your brakes fail?

They are actually copper washers/sealing rings and should be available at your local auto parts store.

a lot of shops have an assortment as well.

 

I just meant that I could visibly see the bolt on the brakes after installation, and there was no visible leaks, and could be checked frequently. Here, visually spotting a leak would be next to impossible.

living in a remote area with no access to any parts until monday, I would just like to know if anyone has reused these fuel copper washers before.

 

I see them re-used regularly and the vast majority of the time there is no problems.

Don't over tighten them.

 

thanx man, exactly what i wanted to hear.

 

I've reused them and not had any problems. I've also noticed that some sizes (i.e. fuel filter) are VERY hard if not impossible to find.

 

You can reuse your copper gaskets if they are not damaged. Before you reassemble them, lightly lap then on 400 grit wet-or-dry paper with water. Then anneal them by dropping them on a hot plate and let them heat up until they turn red. Now drop them in a cup of cold water. Do this a few times and they are good as new.

 

cadman, thanks for the tip.

 

I have reused them too in a pinch but you aren't supposed to. they are actually called crush washers. The local parts store should have them very cheap. I just bought a combo pack of them for like $2.00. They were in the HELP section.