Forgot to install crush washer

[paulney]

Was changing oil, and after draining it, attempted to put the plug with the washer back in. Well, plug slipped from my fingers and fell on the floor. I picked it up, but did not notice that the crusher fell off the bolt. Now when I poured the new oil in and was ready to lower the car, I noticed the washer on the floor.

Should I attempt to quickly unscrew the plug again, put the washer back on, screw back in or just live with it until the next oil change?

Thanks.

 

[jinduy]

i dont know. maybe the garage folks will help more.

 

[zerocool84]

Put it in.

 

[TonyG]

Well, if you leave it out, it may start dripping oil everywhere. If that is the route you choose to go, just keep an eye on your oil level and add more as needed until your next oil change, though it will probably be a very slow leak. Me personally, I would just put the crush washer back on and grab another bottle of oil to top it off with. Whatever you do, do not try to compensate for this by over tightening the oil drain bolt, as you will most likely just end up with a stripped out oil pan!

 

[paulney]

Thanks guys. Since the car was still on the stands, I did some quick jugglery and put the crusher back in. Didn't lose more than a third of the quart, so I'll just top it off.