Replace Crush Washer?

[nitehawk55]

On cars I've owned that had them I would get several oil changes out of them if you didn't crush them to the point they were too thin and at risk of cracking .

Yes you can torque the plug down without on some cars but I would rather use a 25 cent crush washer then have to have the pan rethreaded with a helicoil or replaced .

 

[nwjones18]

I personally hav never replaced one and am pretty sure no one in my family has either. I haven't had any problems with leaks.

 

[UncleS2]

YES!! Replace that crush washer if you don't want oil dripping in your driveway.

For over 20 years I owned a 1966 Volvo that required a copper crush washer for the oil drain plug. I learned that the same washer could be used *Twice*, *If*(and only if!) it was turned over after the first use. But never, Never, NEVER 3 times- oil leak then guaranteed! If your car requires it, buy several at a time & keep them in a zip lock baggie attached to your oil filter wrench with a rubber band. At least that's what I did.

 

[artificialist]

Usually re-use is possible.

About the only time I see one needing a replacement is if the car is over 5 years old, or it was usually serviced by places where everyone overtightens drain plugs.

 

[GMFan]

I've performed 5 oil changes on my Mazda since new and have never replaced the crush washer. I've never had any leaks. I've always re-used crush washer and have never had any problems. Heck, I've done 20+ oil changes on vehicles without ever changing the crush washer.

 

[expat]

I wonder if the Jiffy Lube type places replace the crush washers?

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: expat
I wonder if the Jiffy Lube type places replace the crush washers?

Maybe if the oil is running out nearly as fast as they can pour it in...

I rep the one on my F-150 that someone had made out of cardboard, the new nylon one leaked...

 

[99Saturn]

Originally Posted By: expat
I wonder if the Jiffy Lube type places replace the crush washers?

^

I went for one oil change a few years ago to a quick lube, because I wanted the list of everything that could possibly be wrong (big mistake). Among the list was a leaking oil pan gasket. When I get home I notice a few hours later some oil on the driveway (never leaked before). Turns out the drain plug wasn't in all the way. The look was priceless when I went back and asked if they changed the crush washer and filter.

 

[bigt61]

I replace them when they start leaking. Even when they go bad they just weep a little. Just keep a spare handy and use it when you need to. Replacing it every time is nuts IMO. You need more torque to crush the new one than to tighten the old one - so a new one every time is actually harder on the threads.

 

[Spudislander]

My 2013 Mazda 3 with 2.0L motor doesn't have a separate crush washer for the oil pan drain plug. Rather, the head of the drain plug bolt is shaped like a washer but that's it. The same was true with my 2009 Mazda 3 with the similar motor. I never replaced the drain plug on my 2009 model and I had it for nearly 160,000 kms (100,000 miles.)

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: Spudislander
My 2013 Mazda 3 with 2.0L motor doesn't have a separate crush washer for the oil pan drain plug. Rather, the head of the drain plug bolt is shaped like a washer but that's it. The same was true with my 2009 Mazda 3 with the similar motor. I never replaced the drain plug on my 2009 model and I had it for nearly 160,000 kms (100,000 miles.)


I can't say what 2013 MZ3 has for the drain plug, but my 2006 with 2.0L engine, which should be identical to 2009 definitely has a drain plug washer. Mine is original and stuck pretty good to the plug, but it's there.

 

[Spudislander]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Originally Posted By: Spudislander
My 2013 Mazda 3 with 2.0L motor doesn't have a separate crush washer for the oil pan drain plug. Rather, the head of the drain plug bolt is shaped like a washer but that's it. The same was true with my 2009 Mazda 3 with the similar motor. I never replaced the drain plug on my 2009 model and I had it for nearly 160,000 kms (100,000 miles.)


I can't say what 2013 MZ3 has for the drain plug, but my 2006 with 2.0L engine, which should be identical to 2009 definitely has a drain plug washer. Mine is original and stuck pretty good to the plug, but it's there.



Mine looked like that as well. Maybe it was just stuck so hard to the plug I didn't realize it. Maybe the new one is the same so I'll have to check it close next oil change. LOL

 

[Silverado12]

Maybe that's a Ford or import phenomenon. My GM's and Chrysler products have a rubber like O-ring (appears to be made into the plug) that I have never replaced. Didn't even know you had to and I've been changing oil for 35 years. My bike has an actual O-ring that I replace every time I change the oil.

 

[Finz]

Originally Posted By: GSCJR
Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Originally Posted By: GSCJR
The crush washer is designed to take the stress off the threads on the oil pan and drain plug. These are disposable and should be replaced at every OCI. As dparm mentioned, eventually it will catch up with you.


Explain please?

If you torque the bolt every time to the same amount, how would the crush washer take any stress off the threads? 20 ft. lbs., with or without a crush washer, is the same on the bolt threads.


It's a matter of compression. When you compress a crush washer it's the washer that takes the abuse and not the threads. When you re-use a crush washer the compression is unable to take place and therefore straining the threads. Take notice of the thickness of a used crush washer versus a new one. HTH.


+1

Or, as another poster suggested -get a Fumoto drain valve. For $25, you make life simpler, cleaner and all with the flick of lever.

 

[Eddie]

+1 CSCJR: I almost always replaced the crush washer because the manufactures requests it and I know why. Ed

 

[ProStreetCamaro]

165,000 on my wifes infinity G35X and I have never replaced the washer. As a matter of fact about to go out and change her oil in a few minutes.

 

[SteveSRT8]

I cannot even begin to tell you when I EVER did this on my entire fleet or a personal car.

Last fleet van had half a million miles on it with regular OCI's and never did anything to the bolt. My newer fleet trucks have the seal located in the pan, GREAT design!

 

[JetStar]

I've been doing this a long time and have spare washers on hand for all of my vehicles / bikes. IF when I go to drop the plug, and there is evidence of seepage, I'll replace the washer. If not, then I'll re-use it.

 

[fdcg27]

I'm with the crowd that have never replaced a crush washer.
If you don't go crazy tightening the drain plug, they seem to last the life of the engine without leaking.
A shortish ratchet pretty well ensures that you won't overtighten.
I've also never even considered using a torque wrench on a drain plug, although I have a couple of them.

 

[andyd]

The copper washers can be annealed and made good as new.