I am just about ready to refill my cooling system and noticed that my block drain plug has no sealing washer. Of course, when I pulled that plug to drain the block I did not notice if it had one or if the washer had remained stuck to the block. In any event there is none now.
My question is should it have a copper or alum sealing washer or does it just seal via the threads and fine MB machining?
Also while looking around for that potential seal I saw that one of the 2 bolts that holds the front of the starter{ the end facing the front of the car} is missing.
Does anyone know the size and pitch of that bolt?
Thanks
Andrew

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

I am 99% sure the drain bolt would have had a sealing washer on it. In fact 99.9% since I drained several older diesels and I think they all had them and don't remember one without it. It probably does not matter if you use aluminum or copper.

My best advice to you is to subscribe to the EPC online which is free, though you have to give them a CC. You will be able to view the parts diagrams the dealers have and can spec out any parts you need by PN. The starter bolt will undoubtedly be on the EPC and you can just order one from the local dealer. My experience has been that miscellaneous hardware like that is dirt cheap from the dealer and that way you are sure to get the right size and grade of steel.

http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/welcome.jsp

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

Doh! I took a 2nd [3rd or 4th?] look at my block before searching out a seal and what do you know, it was stuck to the block! It is aluminum.
I had a copper washer that I got from Napa that seemed way too thick but compared to the original it is only marginally thicker and since original is slightly crushed it is likely very close in thickness so I used it.

__________________
1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily