Spring washers?

flatlander · May 19, 2012

Any reason I shouldn't use spring washers on the big end cap biolts and main bearing cap bolts?

LR didn't fit them originally, I suppose to save a few pence. I know that a properly torqued bolt shouldn't let go, and there aren't a trail of Landys with dropped bearing caps, but as there is room for these, and for such a critical application I believe in belt and braces, I think I'll fit them. I don't think this should affect the torque settings, but am willing to be corrected!

Shifty1962 · May 19, 2012

I would not fit them. Its all to do with moving mass etc. They also get brittle with repeated heat and if one of them breaks you will have bits of washer rattling around in the sump but more importantly a loose big end bolt which you are trying to avoid in the first place.

On some bigger commercial diesels they use tab washers that you bend over to stop any loosening of the bolts.

Use Locktite if you're worried but I've never yet heard of a big end bolt coming undone if its torqued up properly.

tottot · May 19, 2012

DONT DO IT asking for trouble.

flatlander · May 20, 2012

Thanks Shifty. I hadn't heard of them becoming brittle, just know we always used them on equipment when I was an apprentice. We din't work on engines though, so I am grateful for the warning. Loctite it is then!

Shifty1962 · May 20, 2012

Spring washers funnily enough are made from spring steel which does not like being continually heated and cooled. They are also quite brittle as you can prove by twisting one (that you dont need) between two pairs of pliers.

As for the Loctite its not really necessary but if it means you get a decent nights kip then it wont do any harm.

Spring washers?

flatlander

It's not broken!

Shifty1962

Well-Known Member

tottot

Well-Known Member

flatlander

It's not broken!

Shifty1962

Well-Known Member

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