Help me remove a fiber washer stuck to coolant drain plug hole

[paulri]

I used a fiber washer (here: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NDP7041081 ) instead of the OEM aluminum washer, when screwing in the inverter coolant drain plug in the highlander. I only got a couple of quarts of coolant in the drain pan when I did this a week or so ago, so I wanted to do this again this weekend. This morning, I noticed that even though i started off the drain plug by hand threading it when I screwed it in last time, and it felt natural going in (it was not wobbling at all—didn't feel cross threaded), coming out it did look a bit lopsided.

I looked at the plug, and didn't see the washer, nor was it in the coolant (I checked after pouring it into an empty jug). So I went to the drain plug hole, and sure enough I saw this , which looks to me like the fiber washer has gotten stuck to the drain plug hole.

OK mea culpa for using a non OEM washer. I do have an OEM aluminum washer that will be used when I'm done. But can anyone give me a recommendation for removing it? I read online not to use a steel tool, because that can scratch the aluminum material and cause leaking. Would shooting penetrating oil be good, or a no no?

I'd rather get rid of it before i pour the coolant in, so I don't have to let any new coolant drain out later on.

 

[paulri]

FWIW, I did try prying it off with my thumbnail, didn't work. I tried both around the outside edge, and on the inside.

Also, the picture is upside down.

 

[tcp71]

picks.

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Ho...mp;psc=1&refRID=5F6JX8N05M6AT486163C

 

[WyrTwister]

Picks .

https://www.harborfreight.com/pick-and-hook-set-7-pc-69592.html

 

[paulri]

If I were to go that route, I could use a flathead screwdriver. You aren't worried about scratching the oil pan at all, causing a leak?

Since both of you suggest a pick--why would that be better than a screwdriver? Or should I drive over and get one, if a small screwdriver fails to pry it off?

EDIT: OK i can use a good angle with the pick, that I might not be able to get with a screwdriver.

 

[StevieC]

Picks or Needle Nose on the inside part of the ring.

 

[paulri]

Came off with my first swipe with pliers (took hold of the inside lip).

The pic does not really show how uneven the washer is. After 50-100 miles, I have to say I'm not impressed with these fiber washers. I also thought it would be more pliable--if I held it with two hands it would bend, but it was much harder than I remember it being when I put it on.

At any rate, all's well that ends well. Lesson learned.

OK looks like I'm going to start a new thread on different types of washers, b/c I always got leaks when I went iwth oem aluminum. I'll see if the oem aluminum washer I use right now on this plug will leak....

 

[paulri]

When it didn't come off at first, my imagination got the best of me and I thought it had bonded with the pan. Oh well.

Thanks a lot. You guys are great here.

 

[Gebo]

I went through a similar situation and ended up using my wife's dental pic set. I since went and purchased a set of pics. How did I live 60 years without them....?

 

[MrMoody]

A correct, new aluminum gasket, properly tightened, will not leak.

 

[paulri]

I saw that yesterday, as the aluminum washer I used (OEM) kept the coolant from leaking out the inverter drain plug.


Originally Posted by MrMoody
A correct, new aluminum gasket, properly tightened, will not leak.