Not Changing manual tranny washer.

[kontakterr61]

so i got a manual tranny fluid replaced at a local shop. i got the fluid, but the washer that i go did not fit, and so the mechanic just had to use the old washer for the drain plug and no washer for the fill plug. this is the factory washer, and it had one tranny fluid change before this.
is this okay?


i am just worried that it will leak or something, and i cant get under the car so is there any way to check if it has leaked?

the car drives fine, and the shifting feels smooth.

should i get another manual tranny oil change and make sure a new washer is there?
also, is there any way to tell manual tranny fluid is low?

 

[Mr Nice]

No problems using the old washer.

 

[Eddie]

No problem. Many shops use the same gasket many times over.

 

[paulo57509]

The aluminum seal washer on the fill plug of my Legend was used over and over so much that the washer was no longer flat.

When I did a drain and fill when I first got the car, I had to cut the washer off the plug. Over the years, the washer had "flowed" around the flange portion of the plug.

 

[Dyoel182]

Should have been brass to begin with I guess.

 

[mechtech2]

At least it won't pour out.
But you can always use a touch of sealer on the face of the bolt, as an option. [Of course a washer is best.]
Reusing washers on drain /fill bolts is common, and generally good practice.

 

[double vanos]

If I have to, I will reuse the gasket one time...I flip it over and reuse. Never had a problem but then again I stop the reuse at twice. You'll probably be OK. Cheers!!!!

 

[Gregory]

I have yet to replace a copper washer on a drain plug.

I am still watting for my first leak.

 

[byez]

as long as its not a crush washer i get a few uses out of them

 

[Dyoel182]

When I lost my Fram Quick Drain adapter I had to re-use the brass washer it came with and hesitated for a sec but its been fine since then.

 

[kontakterr61]

how do i tell if it is a crush washer? and is it even okay to reuse the crush washer twice or more?

is there any way to tell that you are low on manual tranny fluid without looking under the car? i am worried, but dont have the tools or time to take it to a mechanic.

 

[mechtech2]

I wouldn't flip the washer - leave it as is. It is conformed already.

 

[Dyoel182]

Originally Posted By: kontakterr61
is there any way to tell that you are low on manual tranny fluid without looking under the car? i am worried, but dont have the tools or time to take it to a mechanic.


Depends on the car. On my cars you have to unhook the speedo cable, unbolt the adapter and then pull the dipstick/gear set out and check the level. Technically you do it from above the car.

 

[BuickGN]

I haven't changed a washer yet in my 57,000 miles of ownership. After I'm done with an oil change/tranmission drain, I clean the area with a rag and then spray with brake clean. If anything even thinks about leaking I will see it at the next change but so far so good.