Ok, I've been changing the oil/filter in my cars for years. Recently when I whent to buy OEM oil filters (the only way to go!!) they spoke about changing the Oil Pan Drain Plug Washer as well and that it should be done every 7,000 miles.

I can honestly say that this was the first time I've ever heard of the item let alone changing it! Is this true? My '98 SE with 125K doesn't drip a drop of anything (knock on wood) . I am religious about changing trans fluid, break fluid, steering fluid etc.

I ended up buying them since they were < $1 each. I'm starting to think I'm going to be keeping them in the box with the supplies and forgetting I have them.

Sooo, has anyone ever changed one? I'm assuming it acts like a sleeve for the oil pan bolt and that you take it out with a wrench and replace it the same way?

Thanks!

 

does not need to be touched unless the drain plug starts leaking.

 

ok, I was hoping to hear something like that! Thanks for the reply!

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=230184

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...6&postcount=15

another idiot saying something he knows nothing about.

 

^^Every oil change?

 

you don't need to change it every oil change, but after about 4 or 5 cycles of torquing to prevent leaks the crush washer will be very difficult to separate from the drain plug - I had to cut mine off. I bought a couple new ones a while back, and the parts guy threw in whole handful for free, so I now change them every time.

 

The give them to me with each filter. Little compressable copper rings.

 

I replace mine every oil change. They gave me one for every filter I purchased, why not use them.

 

I haven't experienced a leaking oil plug once, regardless of mileage.

 

I work at jiffy lube, in the lower bay. i change plugs and washers all day. i have seen multiple cars leaking from the plug because of the washer (90% fords). i would recommend getting fiber gaskets if you are really worried about it. they work the best.

 

He worked at Jiffy Lube. Now we know they never really did the service so how would e know about washers? http://youtube.com/watch?v=wiCAJ8ULnaI

 

thats why i do my own repair work, unless something major i take it to my mechanic which i known for 8 years

 

first of all, the one i work at doesnt have lifts. second, im the only lower bay tech except for one day. and third im pretty sure i work my *** off there (over 100 cars a day), and do all the services required. i hope you feel pretty good about yourself now, considering you just dissed a 18 year old kid trying to pay for college single-handedly. way to go

 

i replace mine every few oil changes