My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: 1955CJ-5 on September 27, 2020, 04:50:10 PM
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This has happened before....
Changed the oil and canister filter element.
Tightened everything, I let the engine run and I watched the oil filter for leaks....everything is fine, not a stray drop.
I went for a short 2 mile drive and when I got home there was oil everywhere!
It came from around the center bolt in the oil canister cap...
So, I have a copper washer in there. It's not a crush washer.
Does anyone know what type and size washer( I did measure it but promptly forgot the size..but it was less than 1/2") is supposed to be in there, or what works for you?
For now I've tightened it as tight as I dare and it's not leaking, but I'd like to get the correct washer in there to prevent future problems.
Mcmaster-Carr has all sorts of crush washers, copper and aluminum....so plenty available.
Thanks!
Randy
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Randy,
Your signature block indicates a CJ-3A. Is that what we're looking at in the image?
I just took my bolt out to measure (CJ-3B - could very well be a different canister). I got 7/16" on the bolt size but it has a "shoulder" under the head so that there's a larger surface to seal against the washer - like this "Flanged Hex Head bolt: https://www.mcmaster.com/hex-bolts/head-type~hex/medium-strength-grade-5-steel-flanged-hex-head-screws/ (https://www.mcmaster.com/hex-bolts/head-type~hex/medium-strength-grade-5-steel-flanged-hex-head-screws/)
My washer has been stuck on the cover for some time and I didn't want to disturb it but it appears to be fiber (not copper). The outside diameter of that washer was 3/4" but it matches the flanged shoulder under the head of the bolt.
I looked at Walck's (didn't have anything) and KW (had a hardware style bolt but no gasket). rfjp had a copper washer available.
Using the bolt you have I'd think the washer you get (copper may be good) shouldn't extend too fare outside the head.
HTH
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Hi Rus,
Thanks for the reply.
Yes it's for the CJ-3a, the CJ-5 uses the same filter element but the bolt is different.
Looks like a 3/4 head on the CJ-5 and the 3A takes a 7/8" wrench.
I also had looked at Walck's and KW, didn't think of Ron Fitzpatrick....sometimes those military filters are larger, but I did find the washer you mentioned..
https://www.vintagejeeps.com/p-131-oil-filter-cover-bolt-gasket-a1233.aspx
I may have to just take it apart again.....would like to have a replacement handy when I do though!
I think my 3a bolt has a flat mating surface but no flange....it does have a raised letter "T" on it and a number.."1035"
Attached is a picture of the CJ-5 filter bolt, sounds like the one you described.
Randy.
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Turns out I have a box of the A-1233 gasket/washers as offered by Ron Fitzpatrick.
https://www.vintagejeeps.com/p-131-oil-filter-cover-bolt-gasket-a1233.aspx
Unfortunately they are too large....:(
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I also wondered what was the "original" material used for the washer. When I got my engine, there was no washer at all (the filter housing was in a box of parts). I ended up making a washer out of heavy duty exhaust gasket material. I don't know what kind it is as I've had it for years and years. But it seals well but I still have to really snug down that bolt.
If you want to keep using an old copper washer, it may be work hardened. I believe you can "anneal" the copper by heating it with a propane torch. (this is unlike how to anneal steel alloys). THe copper will be soft again and perhaps it will seal better...
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Tomorrow I will take the cap bolt off and go find a replacement washer/gasket.
This time I'll measure it and....write it down!
If I can't find a replacement then annealing the old one is a great idea.......I'm pretty sure the washer I'm using had to be filed out to fit...tedious but it worked...mostly.
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I took it apart again and measured. The bolt is .436" so 7/16, as Rus had posted, ought to work.
I annealed the old washer and put it back together and ordered crush washers from Summit racing.
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So somewhere between 1951 and 1955 they revised/improved the oil cannister. Maybe I'm not the only one who has has issues with it!
Attached are pics of the 3a canister top and bolt, and the CJ-5 cannister top and bolt. The CJ-5 top has what looks like a machined surface for the fiber sealing gasket. Looks just like what Rus described in reply #1.