Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Crush washers question

As some of you know, I'm in the process of breaking my car from the brake shoes in - I've now reached the point where I have to replace the "T" / 3 way union between the rear brake lines . In the previous connection I had a copper washer between the main line and the 'T' and this fit well. However, with the new 'T' this copper washer isn't thick enough to close the gap between the union and the brake pipe and I'm getting brake fluid leaking. I'm wondering if it's safe or wise to put two copper washers into this space (I'm guessing not) or whether I should search for a thicker copper washer - there is a "thick" copper washer listed on Moss Motors but I have no idea is this will be 'thick" enough - queue the jokes here.

Are crush washers still the way to go and does anyone have an recommendations as to a good source (I bought a box of assorted copper washers on line and these were all too thin)

I think it makes sense to try 2 washers. All it can is fix it, or leak. Then you'll have your answer.

Copper washers are not really what I would consider to be crush washers as in this application they don't have specified torque or measured thickness changes.

If your copper washer really isn't thick enough to do the job (you are annealing it properly before fitting it, aren't you) then I would say a thick washer has got to be better than 2 thin ones, always assuming you don't materially reduce the thread contact.

But having said that, I'd do a detailed comparison of old vs new union, checking thread depth and especially the mating surface where the copper washer sits. Is it properly smooth? Could there be a bit of casting flash or something preventing proper seating of the washer? A freshly annealed copper washer is a vey soft thing indeed, but there's a limit to its ability to conform to irregular surfaces.

Copper washers on the axle brake line "T" ...That`s a new one on me. I am struggling to remember if I have used copper to seal brake line fittings at any time in the fifty or so years I have been messing with cars... But then my memory is not at it`s best and every day is a school day..

The only time I've used copper washers on brake lines is on banjo bolts.

Does sound like a thread issue on the fittings.

TBM, when I typed my response I had a picture of a banjo bolt set-up in my head though thought it was just fuel lines...Hmm..? Perhaps the master cylinder connection on my first car the 59 Frogeye Sprite, but that was a really long time ago. No doubt someone will put me right..

Might be tempted by Dowty washers Rob. Usually of relatively thick steel (which will help in your case) with proud ring of nitrile rubber bonded to the inner surface. They are ideally suited to high pressure hydraulics, with the seal improving with internal pressure.



They may come under a different name in the US.

I may be wrong but I don't think Dowty washers are compatible with Brake fluid?

As we are typing of brake lines, I really need someone to tell me that the "T" in question requires any kind of washer to seal the connections.

Whereas my thinking would be that the either the "T" or the pipe flair are not mating correctly and thus leaking. Any attempt to seal with washers might indeed work but surely would be regarded as non standard and a risky bodge, perhaps more so if the connection has been over tightened or the threads in both items in the connection are of a mis-match..?

Depending on the size of the leak, you could try some Brake Line thread sealant? Sealey do one, and Loctite.

I would only consider if it was a very small weep.