Washer types - when, where, how & why?

27 Feb.,2024

 

Just bolting on the ancilleries and misc. bits and pieces to an old engine & tranny that have been rebuilt. It's been a long time since I disassembled it all. It just occurred to me I don't know what type of washers to use and where. Same question will apply to putting everything else on the car back together.

There's split lock washers (thin & thick styles), internal & external tooth lock washers, spring washers, standard flat washers, thin & thick flat washers, etc. and also nylock nuts. Bolts can be coarse thread or fine thread with different holding power. Sometimes you need just a flat washer and sometimes no washer. Sometimes you need a flat washer plus a locking washer. Does a flat washer go on first, then the lock washer? What about when to use loctite? What about high heat locations like exhaust? Is grade a concern? Is it poor practice to reuse lock washers? Should washers always be plated or are unplated okay in some cases? Does it make a difference if the pieces you are fastening together are both steel or aluminum or one of each?

Is there a website somewhere that will explain this or are there some general rules of thumb?

Thanks!

 

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