Oil Plug Gaskets - Metal or Rubber, preference?

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Funny, my Savanas and Silverados all have a small rubber one.

Even the 2004 we run daily with over 400k miles is just fine.

If they shred "easily" I can't imagine why one of our many has not.

Maybe because you change your own oil, and you actually pay attention to every detail.

I frequently deal with cars that go to whatever place changes oil the most cheaply, which increases the odds of someone being careless with a drain plug.

 

[river_rat]

I just use the OEM fiber washers. I get them 10 at a time and use a torque wrench.

 

[Gokhan]

Originally Posted By: river_rat
I just use the OEM fiber washers. I get them 10 at a time and use a torque wrench.

Ditto. Get a bag of ten from the dealer and use a new OEM washer every time for peace of mind. They only cost $1 a piece and won't burn a hole in your pocket.

There is no need for a torque wrench though. In fact you will probably end up overtightening it if you use the specified torque. Just tighten it gently to the point where it stops turning and gets slightly squeezed or crushed and wait for a few seconds and gently tighten it a little more and repeat this a few times until it no longer gets squeezed or crushed without applying a lot of torque. This is the sweet spot for your gasket. Strain (squeeze or crush) is a better indication than stress (torque) for tightening a gasket. Never overtighten any gasket -- it will leak.

 

[river_rat]

Never overtightened one yet.