Drain Plug rubber washer, when to replace?

[gnet158]

This is my second DIY oil change and after talking to a buddy of mine he asked if I planned on changing the rubber washer too? Since I’ve always taking my previous truck to the shop and had them change the oil I never knew about this. Is there a standard (after x amount of oil changes)? And what do I ask for at the auto parts store so I don’t sound dumb?

Thanks!

 

[lewdwig]

If I had a rubber (neoprene?) washer, I'd replace it with a nylon or neoprene one.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: gnet158
This is my second DIY oil change and after talking to a buddy of mine he asked if I planned on changing the rubber washer too? Since I’ve always taking my previous truck to the shop and had them change the oil I never knew about this. Is there a standard (after x amount of oil changes)? And what do I ask for at the auto parts store so I don’t sound dumb?

Thanks!


Have a spare washer on hand when you change your oil. If your old one looks good, reuse it.

I got over 100k miles off the factory one on my 1995 GMC. If you actually have a drain plug washer with rubber in the washer (Dowty type washer), get your replacement at the dealer. I haven't found an aftermarket one as good as the factory one.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Good question. My previous car had a metal crush washer which was supposed to be replaced every time you pulled the plug out.

 

[StevieC]

I would never use a rubber or nylon one... I would only use a copper crush style washer... I had the one on my truck for over 60,000 Miles before I changed to an F-Valve and it was still in good shape.

 

[brianl703]

Originally Posted By: XS650
If you actually have a drain plug washer with rubber in the washer (Dowty type washer), get your replacement at the dealer. I haven't found an aftermarket one as good as the factory one.


Odd, the last aftermarket one I got was identical the factory one. I think it had a patent number on it, too.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Replace when it leaks. (and when it does, it is like a drop a month if it is bad)

Don't over tighten, just snug it up and they last a LONG time.

The copper ones should be flipped over and used twice then replaced. The problem with the copper is that it is crushed then that is it. I've seen copper ones used over and over and then the drain plug comes out or is leaking real bad.

I'd prefer a nylon or rubber over copper. But I use sure drains (Wish they still made them

) or the Fumoto (which I do not like)..

Take care, Bill

 

[Drew99GT]

I use the heavy duty nylon ones and never replace them. And I crank on those drain plugs. Never a leak.

 

[rpn453]

Not something I'd bother with. I've never had a leak after removing them and going with metal on metal.

 

[The Critic]

If it's my own car, I replace when it leaks. If it's another person's car, then I replace it at every oil change.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: brianl703
Originally Posted By: XS650
If you actually have a drain plug washer with rubber in the washer (Dowty type washer), get your replacement at the dealer. I haven't found an aftermarket one as good as the factory one.


Odd, the last aftermarket one I got was identical the factory one. I think it had a patent number on it, too.


Your aftermarket source is better than mine.

The ones I found at NAPA and Kragens had the rubber molded over onto the surface so it sheared when the plug was tightened. They were only good for one or two changes.

 

[moklock]

I have been smearing a tiny dab of RTV on my rubber washers at every OC for years now which seems to keep the rubber from being torn up hardly at all. Of course it adds a little extra time to peel the old RTV off and re-apply each time.

 

[JHZR2]

Mine has been seeping for a few years - it's only enough to make a film on the pan - no drops on the driveway.

 

[StevieC]

Drive really fast and it will rust-proof your car in that spot!

 

[Rolf]

Originally Posted By: gnet158
This is my second DIY oil change and after talking to a buddy of mine he asked if I planned on changing the rubber washer too? Since I’ve always taking my previous truck to the shop and had them change the oil I never knew about this. Is there a standard (after x amount of oil changes)? And what do I ask for at the auto parts store so I don’t sound dumb?


Considering what they cost, I replace mine every oil change.

Most the parts houses carry "Dorman" assortments, either bubble packs of different ones or a several of a given size:

https://www.dormanproducts.com

Myself, I buy them bulk at:

http://www.cgenterprises.com/gasket_size_cross.htm

He's got all the sizes and all the materials.

Crushable copper and nylon are my own preference.

What I find is that more often than not stripped oil drain threads are a result of overtightening due to use of an old drain gasket.

Some filters (Hyundai, for example) come with a drain gasket for just that reason.



.

 

[PandaBear]

I always replace them with a new aluminum crush washer. I got a bag of 100 online and it should last me for the rest of the 3 car's life. They all use the same size.

 

[ThirdeYe]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear
I always replace them with a new aluminum crush washer. I got a bag of 100 online and it should last me for the rest of the 3 car's life. They all use the same size.


Same here, except mine's a bag of 50 OEM Honda washers. Got 'em pretty cheap too!

 

[mechtech2]

There are factory drain plugs that have a rubber 'O' ring integrated into them.
A very nice positive seal.
And oil filters almost universally use rubber seals.
So they are very viable.