YACT: re-use metal washers on oil drain plug?

[thomsbrain]

On my most recent change, there was a lot of visible deformation of the plastic washer when I tightened the plug, and I just noticed that it's actually leaking slowly. So I'm done with plastic, but my question is:

Can you re-use a metal washer? The washers that were on my cars when I first started changing my own oil were metal, and though they had some slight marks, they looked pretty clean. I threw them away, but could I have re-used them?

Also, I assume the hardware store would be a much cheaper place to buy new metal washers than the auto-parts store?

Thanks for your advice, guys.

CLIFFS: Can you safely re-use a metal washer on an oil drain plug?

 

[dpert1]

i do

 

[Rastus]

Stick with the auto parts store, those washers were made specifically for that application. The ones at the hardware store weren't. Also, they are cheap enough at the auto parts store so any savings would be insignificant.

 

[lupohki]

Are you talking about the oil drain plug gasket? You're suppose to replace those every time and I never heard of a plastic one. I use a Fumoto valve .. much more convenient and no gaskets to replace.

 

[RedArmy]

You're supposed to use a new crush washer every time you change your oil.

Edit: To actually answer your question, no I would not re-use the washers. Just go to a dealership and ask for like 50 of them, it'll cost you almost negative money since they're so cheap

 

[0roo0roo]

yup
but i use a fram valve i prefer attaching a hose to trying to pull the plug without getting oil dribble down my arm

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

The washer is made out of copper and should be replaced with every oil change. Is it necessary, no, I don't think so.

 

[HiTek21]

I change the washer each time, When I buy a case of oil filters from the dealership I'll buy one washer for each filter and tape it to the box.

 

[thomsbrain]

Based on ATOT advice, I think I'll just make a run to the dealership and buy a bunch of filters and good washers, and pick up air/cabin filters while I'm there. After comparing prices, the Honda filters cost barely any more than Bosch, and their washers are a fraction of the cost of the ones from Kragen. It really makes me nervous to drive around with that plastic washer slowly leaking. I feel like it could fail at any time!

 

[FoBoT]

washer?
i don't think mine has a washer
the plug is flanged

 

[Eli]

If it's metal(copper), you'll probably be OK. I've re-used them several times with no leakage.

It's better to replace it if you can, though, of course. Just try and remember to pick up like 10 of them next time you're buying oil.

If it's plastic or rubber, replace it.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: RedArmy
You're supposed to use a new crush washer every time you change your oil.

Edit: To actually answer your question, no I would not re-use the washers. Just go to a dealership and ask for like 50 of them, it'll cost you almost negative money since they're so cheap

Yup...they'll take care of ya...one of the few things the dealership is a great place to go to.

To answer your question OP- if it's easy for you to get a new washer then go for it...if not...you'll probably be alright...just be sure to check for leaks.

 

[natto fire]

I have always reused them, wasn't even aware there were plastic ones.
Personally, I think if the surfaces are clean and the washer does not look crushed too bad (from an overzealous tech tightening the drain plug too much) then it is fine to reuse. Even though the part is small, the dealership will overcharge you. They didn't get the nickname "stealership" for nothing.
If you want to buy a new one every time, you can get a plain crush washer from an auto parts or hardware store. Not all the washers used in oil drain plugs are copper crush washers, BTW.

 

[Nyati13]

Originally posted by: Cdubneeddeal
The washer is made out of copper and should be replaced with every oil change. Is it necessary, no, I don't think so.

I talked before to the Subaru guys about my car. He said that they (the dealership I went to) do replace the washer every time, but he also said that reusing a metal crush washer isn't a big deal, and doesn't cause any problems.

I would never re-use a non-metallic washer, and I would never use a non-crush washer (ie regular hardware store washers).

 

[jcovercash]

I have never replaced the seal rubber/metal/or copper on any vehicle I have owned when changing the oil. Never had any of them leak either...... Some people will spend money on anything because they are paranoid.....

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
Based on ATOT advice, I think I'll just make a run to the dealership and buy a bunch of filters and good washers, and pick up air/cabin filters while I'm there. After comparing prices, the Honda filters cost barely any more than Bosch, and their washers are a fraction of the cost of the ones from Kragen. It really makes me nervous to drive around with that plastic washer slowly leaking. I feel like it could fail at any time!

the walmart supertech ones are alright as well
better than fram according to some review site.
crush washers best not to reuse yes. manuals do specify replacement, somehow i doubt it will catastrophically fail. a minor leak is probably what would happen...messy for your garage

 

[Howard]

I'm really wanting one of those Fumoto valves now.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
Based on ATOT advice, I think I'll just make a run to the dealership and buy a bunch of filters and good washers, and pick up air/cabin filters while I'm there. After comparing prices, the Honda filters cost barely any more than Bosch, and their washers are a fraction of the cost of the ones from Kragen. It really makes me nervous to drive around with that plastic washer slowly leaking. I feel like it could fail at any time!

Napa Gold/Wix filters are decently priced and well-constructed. Bosch... not so much, last I heard.

 

[Zach]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
washer?
i don't think mine has a washer
the plug is flanged

I always figured the washer on my Honda was just stuck, but I might have this situation too.


Otherwise, I've never bothered replacing the washer on other cars. By the time it leaks a bit the car is burning oil anyway.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: jcovercash
I have never replaced the seal rubber/metal/or copper on any vehicle I have owned when changing the oil. Never had any of them leak either...... Some people will spend money on anything because they are paranoid.....

I have not yet replaced one either. I've only done maybe 70 or 80, though.

 

[RichUK]

NO!

You?re supposed to change the washer on the sump bung every time you undo it as they?re a crush fit design.

They are only made to be used once as they?re designed to create a perfect seal as they get compressed when you tighten up the bung.

It?s also best practice to change the oil filter seal as it?s prone to damage when you tighten up the oil filter.

 

[FoBoT]

:laugh:

you said bung


twice :laugh:

 

[RichUK]

:Q

 

[thomsbrain]

interestingly enough, when i got the car up on jacks and examined it in detail, it was the FILTER that was leaking, not the drain plug after all. turns out it wasn't tightened quite enough (newbie mistake, i guess). even so, i plan to start using the copper crush washers in the future.

 

[pac1085]

for the most part, i use new washers, but i have had to re use a few times, I heard if you heat them with a torch until they are glowing red and let them cool, they anneal and become soft again...always worked fine for me.