86k miles on the drain plug and washer

[KrisZ]

I took advantage of holiday break and changed the oil in my Mazda 3. While the oil was draining I inspected the drain plug. It reminded me of threads where quite a lot of people were rather concerned about the drain plug and crush washer. So I decided to post some pics of the drain plug and crush washer.

Mine is original with OEM washer. That is almost 6 years and 86k miles. I always clean the threads before I hand tighten the plug until snug. I never had a leak or even a slight sweat around the plug. The washer is so nicely "fused" with the plug that I don't see the point of messing this up with some cheap crush washers. The old saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" certainly applies in my case.

 

[SS1970chrysler]

I change them when I see a problem starting. I do not see a problem with yours. I'd keep using it.

 

[Lead Shoes]

I lost the washer on my Honda's drain pan the first oil change I did, I've been running with no washer for 10K and no drips and no lost sleep so don't worry.

 

[demarpaint]

I'm from the if it aint broke don't fix it camp. I still have the original plug and washer on my 205K mile Aerostar. In fact the plug and washer outlasted the oil pan. LOL

 

[bluestream]

My 91 BMW is still using the same "crush" washer after 20 years. No leaks yet. Manual says to change it at every oil changed..

 

[LeakySeals]

Depends on the car as to whether you should replace it. Not necessarily for dripping, but for torque. For example I change oil on 2 Toyotas. One bolt is fairly tight and snug all the way out. doesn't need a washer. The other, very loose once its free. That one needs the washer so I don't have to over torque it to keep it from backing off. They give them away at the dealer if you need one.

 

[AuthorEditor]

I've never had a problem with a crush washer so never replaced one.

 

[Donald]

Oil-Tite make a super metal & rubber washer if you need one.

 

[qdeezie]

My Cavalier has the same drain plug/washer after 335K+ miles. I do like the fact it is a magnetic drain plug or I probably would've upgraded it.

 

[law3500]

Originally Posted By: SS1970chrysler
I change them when I see a problem starting. I do not see a problem with yours. I'd keep using it.


+1 looks well taken care of. Keep it up.

 

[Kiwi_ME]

Nice, but I have to point out that if you don't tighten it enough to plastically deform the washer and it stays stuck to the plug, why wouldn't it last indefinitely?