I changed my oil today, but I forgot to get a new washer for the drain plug.

On my '84 subaru the washer was different, I could use that thing over and over again; the one on my max didn't really look too healthy.

After consulting the manual (should have looked more closely beforehand) it says to change the washer.

Will I be okay using the old one? I lubed it with oil, and it was all in one piece...

 

Yes, it's okay to reuse the cooper washer. But, I would put a new one on during the next oil change. Why risk a new motor just for a $0.25 washer.

 

I generally replace them every oil change, just buy a half doze from your dealer and you won't need any more for a year or more.

 

Hmmmm this is something I should really do. I never think about replacing them ahead of time. Do they end up leaking eventually?

SuDZ

 

I think Nissan recommends changing the washer every other oil change. That's what I do...no runs, no drips, no errors.

 

teflon/nylon washer = reuse
alum/copper washer = toss out

 

If you use the copper crush ring you need to change them every oil change. I changed my oil about a month ago and did not change it and developed a slow leak out of the drain plug. I tried to retighten it, but it still leaked. I ended up going to Nissan and buying about 10 of the crush rings and another drain plug. I then swapped the plugs (put a crush ring on the new plug) and the leak is gone.

In short, if you use the copper crush rings, replace them at every change.

Brian

 

I got out there this morning and actually noticed a few drops under the pan. I think it was residual oil, that was still on the plug and pan; but I can't put my mind to ease without properly changing the washer. It was a metal/very hard washer.

I bought some rubber washers at wal-mart, so tonight I'll drain all the oil (again), properly seat the washer and then pour all that oil back into the engine.

It shouldn't be a problem as long I use a clean pan... I'd hate to throw away $25 of mobil 1 synth...

 

I am not sure I would do it that way. What I did was to buy a new plug and copper ring (at Nissan). Then I was able to do the plug swap with minimal oil coming out. I would stay away from draining and re-filling. IMHO

Brian

 

Yes, I agree now. I think I'll stop by the dealer tonight and try and get a new plug and washer combo. Whatever oil does pour out I'll replace with fresh new oil.

At least I'll be much more prepared in the future. It's one of those things nobody is going to tell you, you just have to kind of learn the hard way. Hopefully it doesn't happen to too many others out there. Thanks, I can finally get some sleep now...

 

I saw this trick in action from the top of the engine.

Back when I wasn't totally fed up with Jiffy Lube, I'd told them to put a new washer on the wife's Previa. As they were finishing, I asked if they had (since I couldn't see from the top.)

Ooops, no.

Tech is worried that he's going to have to dump 6 qts of oil, until manager comes over.

They take shop vacumn, turn it on, hold hose in the oil fill.

Tech underneath removes plug with minimal leakage, (probably sticks finger in hole) puts new washer on plug, replaces plug.

Heard this trick on CarTalk, too.

 

seriously..i mean how much oil can u really lose? just drive with it for like 2-3 months..check the oil every month. then just change the oil early that's all. why do through the mess of doing all that...esp w/ mobil1.

 

I dont think I've ever replaced one of those things before. And I have zero (knock on wood) leaks from the car now, be it oil or the tranny, brake fluid, clutch fluid, fuel, power steering etc. I used to have these leaks: Transmission- axle seals, power steering hose was loose at one point, oil pressure sender unit leaked, small coolant hose also leaked.