Valvoline Restore & Protect

[Hohn]

To speed up the test and determine if VRP actually softens the black coating. With the drain plug installed the black coating is torque to specification which may lead to softening of the material.

Why does it matter if the coating is removed by VRP? The coating isn't the seal and there is no consequence to the coating removal IF it is occurring. There's no way that loose coating is floating around your oil pan.

 

[ATex7239]

Why does it matter if the coating is removed by VRP? The coating isn't the seal and there is no consequence to the coating removal IF it is occurring. There's no way that loose coating is floating around your oil pan.

It doesn’t matter if the gasket is used only once and any material is cleaned off the bolt and pan. But it is something to be aware of if you are the type to reuse gaskets. Some folks around here use gaskets more than once. In that instance it could matter I think.

 

[Titan]

My Sienna with 279k miles had an oil leaking issue about 2 years ago that was fixed with a change to Maxlife blend. My major concern with trying the VRP was that it would start back up again. Well into the second OCI now and no leaking at all. Also, I'm using the same copper drain plug washer that was on the vehicle when I bought it about five years ago. Its never leaked so I keep on with it.

I do the same with copper washers. But, I heat them over a flame enough that any grooves/edges are removed. Never had one leak...don't know if that extra heating step is even needed.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I do the same with copper washers. But, I heat them over a flame enough that any grooves/edges are removed. Never had one leak...don't know if that extra heating step is even needed.

I've also used copper drain plug washers, and just reuse them without reheating them up like you describe, and never had one leak.

 

[tired]

I stopped using those fabric coated Toyota drain plug gaskets and just got some aluminum drain plug washers that can be used many times over with no ill effects.

For $1, I like the reassurance of using OEM. If it saves me one oil leak over my whole life, worth the trouble to me.

 

[cammyfive79]

For $1, I like the reassurance of using OEM. If it saves me one oil leak over my whole life, worth the trouble to me.

I can think of a bazillion things I could save $1 every 6 months on versus reusing or heating up to reuse the filter gasket.

 

[rijndael]

I can think of a bazillion things I could save $1 every 6 months on versus reusing or heating up to reuse the filter gasket.

Drain plug gasket, not filter gasket.

 

[cammyfive79]

Drain plug gasket, not filter gasket.

I stand corrected.

 

[Patman]

I’m one of the crazy people who never changes the drain plug gasket/washer. I have never had one leak. My Civic has 272,000 km and I have had it since it had 130,000 km and have never changed it. No leaks at all.

 

[BrendanC]

I’m one of the crazy people who never changes the drain plug gasket/washer. I have never had one leak. My Civic has 272,000 km and I have had it since it had 130,000 km and have never changed it. No leaks at all.

i always get one with a built in rubber seal.

 

[ATex7239]

It appears VRP could potentially have an effect on the coating of the black type Toyota OEM crusher washers. I have both the black and blue types on hand so I will be doing more testing. First time this has happened and it’s the first run of VRP for reference.

As I’ve said before, I think VRP is an intriguing product, but we still don’t know what we don’t know yet.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/post-your-latest-oil-change.108957/page-1183#post-7233919

Here you go oil nerds! Due to request here is the Toyota OEM drain plug gasket soaked in VRP challenge. Ordered some more oil from WM online and put two new gaskets (black & blue type) in clean sample bottles with fresh oil. Bottles will be stored in non-climate controlled garage. Let’s see what happens.

 

[Lawnman23]

I’m one of the crazy people who never changes the drain plug gasket/washer. I have never had one leak. My Civic has 272,000 km and I have had it since it had 130,000 km and have never changed it. No leaks at all.

Same here. I have never in my life on all the vehicles I have owned and serviced replaced the plug washer. None have ever leaked.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I’m one of the crazy people who never changes the drain plug gasket/washer. I have never had one leak. My Civic has 272,000 km and I have had it since it had 130,000 km and have never changed it. No leaks at all.

What's it made of?

 

[Patman]

What's it made of?

Even though I just changed the oil last week I honestly can’t remember if it’s made from plastic or metal

 

[oilstained]

I’m joining the VRP party.
2007 RAV4 2.4L engine currently at 241,900 miles. I have the oil consumption issue. It goes through 1qt every 500 miles. At 242,000, I’ll be dumping the old oil and go with 5W-30 VRP.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Even though I just changed the oil last week I honestly can’t remember if it’s made from plastic or metal

I'd be surprised if it was plastic and last as long as you've been using the same one. I've re-used a few nylon and plastic drain plug gaskets and they don't last very long.

 

[tired]

Here you go oil nerds! Due to request here is the Toyota OEM drain plug gasket soaked in VRP challenge. Ordered some more oil from WM online and put two new gaskets (black & blue type) in clean sample bottles with fresh oil. Bottles will be stored in non-climate controlled garage. Let’s see what happens.

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BITOG is really an amazing place. Seriously.

 

[jetman]

I’m one of the crazy people who never changes the drain plug gasket/washer. I have never had one leak. My Civic has 272,000 km and I have had it since it had 130,000 km and have never changed it. No leaks at all.

me too

 

[tired]

I’m one of the crazy people who never changes the drain plug gasket/washer. I have never had one leak. My Civic has 272,000 km and I have had it since it had 130,000 km and have never changed it. No leaks at all.

Same here. I have never in my life on all the vehicles I have owned and serviced replaced the plug washer. None have ever leaked.

I feel like the gasket material has to break down eventually. But that's an impressive track record.

 

[Lawnman23]

I feel like the gasket material has to break down eventually. But that's an impressive track record.

None of mine are/were nylon or plastic, all have been some type of metal. Perhaps has something to do with it.