http://bobhooversblog.blogspot.ca/2006/11/vw-annealing-copper-washers.html)
I'm going to be annealing sections of some 6061 1" pipe, either today or tomorrow, so that I can bend parts of it. A bit different than washers, very unwieldy for quenching, I'll see how it goes.
cheers
alistair
On 2012-10-03, at 5:36 AM, Ed wrote:
> Alistair,
>
> Thanks for your comments.
>
> However, quenching is not required for annealing of these metals. Copper
> and aluminum may be annealed by heating and then either quenching OR cooling
> slowly. The behavior of some aluminum alloys may differ slightly according
> to their composition, but in general, this procedure applies.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annealing_(metallurgy)
> http://www.fournierenterprises.com/Annealing.pdf
>
>
> I still stand by my recommendation that copper and aluminum sealing washers
> should be replaced but, if necessary, their lifetime may be extended by the
> following procedure:
>
> "In an emergency you can remove the sealing washers and heat them with a
> propane torch, allowing them to cool without quenching."
>
> Regards,
> Ed
>
>
>
> On Tue, 2 Oct 2012 18:10:30 -0700, Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:
>
>> i'd agree that you could anneal to regain softness of washer but disagree,
> Ed, in your annealing method for aluminum and copper. Both those metals
> anneal by quenching, not slow cool.
>>
>> alistair
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 2012-10-02, at 2:46 PM, Ed wrote:
>>
>>> The sealing washers are probably work hardened and are no longer soft enough
>>> to make a good seal. Replace them as they are ideally one use items.
>>> That's why you get a new one for the oil plug when you buy an oil filter.
>>> In an emergency you can remove the sealing washers and heat them with a
>>> propane torch, allowing them to cool without quenching. This will restore
>>> the softness of both aluminum and copper sealing washers and allow them to
>>> seal without excessive force.
>>>
>>> Ed
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, 2 Oct 2012 16:02:38 -0500, JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>>
>>>> PS pump is leaking at the washer where the hollow bolt passes through
>>>> the banjo fitting on the pressure side. I made sure the bolt IS NOT
>>>> loose. So I need to do something. Any suggestions?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> John