Oil Change Question

[Submarine_Sailor]

Ok, I looked for old posts, couldn't find one. Not your standard question. On my oil plug on my two cars, they have an o-ring. At work, if it's rubber software, and I have a replacement, I replace it. Period. My question is, do you guys ever replace that o-ring/gasket on your drain plug? How often? Do most parts stores carry them, or do they just sell you a whole new plug? Any experience with one failing? I've never heard of one failing, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Was just curious what ya'll think about it. Started considering looking for a replacement and said screw it........

 

[NUTTSGT]

If it looks worn, aged, cracked or is leaking, I'd change it. Modern materials are pretty good not like stuff of yesteryear.


I wouldn't over think it.

 

[Ray-CA]

I have a box (each) of these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/382-piece-o-ring-assortment-67554.html

and these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/397-piece-metric-o-ring-assortment-67580.html

Ray

 

[TommyD]

I think all I've ever seen on my stuff were copper washers, I HAVE changed O rings on lots of other things. Like written above, if ya see something, change it

 

[plung]

I always bought the OEM ones in bulk, same with the OEM filters.

 

[Zeke]

While many crush washers will reseal, some won't and you will get a drip. I don't replace anything om my truck; I not sure there is anything to replace. But, on the aluminum case on the other cars, I put a new crush washer on there every time. It allows me to put the right torque (not much) on the plug and no leak.

 

[6768rogues]

The o-ring can be reused as long as it is not cracked or deteriorated. When you use a new one, oil it so it does not rip on installation.
A few years ago my wife had surgery. When my friends asked what was going on, I told them she was getting a new o-ring......

 

[mech.reclined]

Honda actually has a torque spec on the drain plug. 18 ft lbs. with a NEW crush washer installed everytime.Not ya-it looks ok.Not well-next time.Not-I worked at G.M./Ford/Dodge and I never replaced them and I never had a problem.Maybe you never had a problem because after the plug gasket leaked all over the customers brand new driveway,theyfound out why and never came back!

Dammit! Shell out an extra .50 cents and do it right.

 

[e30bradley]

I replace em everytime. Wether its copper, rubber, or plastic. Or that weird black plastic 'composite' stuff.. I bought like 20 bucks worth or washer and drain plugs a few months ago so I have a nice assortment.

 

[kenners]

When I have purchased oem filters for my Speedster they come with a new washer. Can't remember if they are aluminum or copper.

 

[internetdude]

I go OEM. On my *ahem* Toyota vehicle it uses a crush washer, so I replace it every 2-3 oil changes, it's like under $1. My T-Bird had a very minor oil leak (like 1-2 drips per day) out of the plug, when I went to the dealership they sold washers or a new plug with built-in rubber sealing surface. So naturally I opted to replace the plug with the new design that doesn't need the washer.

Ideally you should change it every time but you don't really need to, every 2-3 times should be plenty good.

 

[ncfireman1918]

I just swap the plug for a Fumoto valve, then I never have to worry about it.

 

[Gary S]

If it has a rubber O ring, just check it carefully each time you change oil. Rubber ages and cracks.
My vehicles are all GM old timers that have a fiber flat washer doing duty there, and they are 30-40 years old and still in good shape. But, the flat washer doesn't get stressed each time I remove and reinstall the plug like an O ring would, so the flat washer should last much longer.

 

[Scott65]

For the cost and piece of mind, my vote is to change things like that. The one time that you of do not, there will be a problem...

 

[Mike14k]

I change plug seals everytime and every oil change. O-ring or crushable copper.

The new oil filter comes with a new rubber, flat seal... figure that implies I should change the plug seal when I change oil.

 

[Marshall2u]

Just my 2 cents, but I have never changed one of these....and have never had a engine failure, or oil loss issue. If a few drops of oil is a concern, then change it every time. If not, and the threads in your plug, and pan, are good, it's not a serious issue in regard to oil loss. Just keep an eye on the level.....

 

[Hankdog1]

Heck I wouldn't worry about it and if it does start leaking just take it to Walmart for an oil change. After they screw up the threads they'll pay for a whole new oil pan and to have it installed. hehehe

 

[tkiranch]

We have had 5 mini coopers and have had the dealership do the oil change, they reccommend changing the washer on the plug every time. The 2 times we had someone else change the oil on my daughters Mini, it leaked. I would say if it calls for the o ring to be replaced each time, then that is what I would do.
Now, we have had 5 Mini's, they are great cars, but my wife gets a new one every 3 years, it is cheaper to just trade in her old one, and buy a new one. we still have the same payment, we just dont have to pay for any major maintenance or repairs. We usually go through 3 sets of tires and regular maintenance that is covered for 3 years.

 

[Matt M PA]

I only remember changing those a few times. I've also switched my daily drivers to Fumoto valves...so I don't deal with the drain plug anyhow.

 

[Falcon67]

I let the dealer worry about it when they do the change. Too much hassle to do the regular cars, much easier to just pay for it. If I need some weed killer/fence preserver, I have 14 quarts in the race cars LOL.

 

[rmsg0040]

I never change an o-ring on the drain plug, never had a issue

 

[SpeedwayRyan]

My BMW has a cartridge-style filter, and the new cartridge comes with a new crush washer for the drain plug, a new large o-ring for the filter housing lid, and a new washer and tiny o-ring for the long bolt that holds the filter housing lid on. I'd hate to have to buy all that **** from the dealer every time!

 

[4BT]

My 06 VW Jetta has a non replaceable crush washer in the drain bolt.....I was told to replace it with each oil change. I usually got a drip every 3rd change. Bought a magnetic plug and used a rubber/metal sealing washer......no more $4 bolts or drips.


My 06 chevy silverado on the other hand, has the same rubber o ring on it for 60k without a problem. It has an aluminum pan though

 

[SGKent]

I always replace the part if the part was designed to be replaced like my Acura ones but inspect the new one first for gouges and nicks etc. Do not over tighten these plugs. I did as a kid many times and paid for it by having to go oversized, then take the pan off and have a nut welded on the inside etc. In the VW T4 engine community the manual says 7 - 9 Ft Lbs on the stainer nut and going over that breaks off a piece in the case which requires an engine teardown and trip to the welder to fix. It is really easier to either use the dealer who sees that same car 20 times a day or do it yourself to the same specs. Anymore it costs me the same to have the dealer change the oil or do it myself, sometimes the specials are less than the parts.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I rarely replace a drain plug seal. Many of the '60's and '70's Fords used a nylon or plastic washer that was re-usable, but you had to watch and make sure it isn't cracked. I changed the one on the Falcon once or twice in 300K miles. My new (to me) Vibe had the plug way over tightened, which destroyed the rubber faced aluminum washer. I ordered more from Pontiac, but went across the street to the Toyota dealer where they gave me several. When Pontiac got theirs in, they were not the same, rather, all plastic. I figure I will swap the seal on the plug in a hundred thousand or so miles. Never had one leak, never had one come loose, since about 1971 and way over a million miles of oil changes on mine and my father's cars, so I must be doing something right.

Charles