Oil drain plug crush washer

[Nayr747]

I just changed my oil and noticed a washer in the pan. I'm 90% sure it's the washer that's supposed to go on the oil drain plug, but it's just a plain somewhat thick silver washer, not the copper crush washer that I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be. I've already driven on it today until I noticed it laying there. But I torqued the plug to spec and it seemed tight.

So my question is: Should I drive it on until the next time I change my oil or should I sacrifice the $40 in oil and drain the fresh oil to put a new washer on? (Or can I re-use the oil if I drain it into a clean enough container?) And would an auto parts store or Home Depot have the right washer?

Thanks!

 

[FP3065TSI]

are you leaking any oil from that?

 

[Defiant]

I just changed my oil and noticed a washer in the pan.

You drop the pan on an AWD to change oil?

You have to clarify what the hell you're talking about. Manhole covers are round so you can't drop them down the hole. A drain crush washer would have even less chance of fitting into the pan through the drain hole.

WTF

 

[turbosax2]

I think he was referring to his oil drain pan.

 

[joyfil2001]

the washer prevents oil from leaking and ensure a tight fit from the bolt. if it were me, i would have made sure i had the washer on there. i would drain the oil and to it again. pick up a washer from an auto parts store. you dont want a blow motor because you loose all your oil driving down the freeway. happened to a friend of mine. sucks.

 

[Defiant]

I think he was referring to his oil drain pan.

Oh, duh.

Throw it away, then. Show slight concern if your drain plug begins to drip... if you can sort its drip out from all the usual Mitsubishi leaks.

If you didn't do the last work on your car, there's no guessing who did what, nor how incorrectly. And don't expect the dealers to do any better a job than your eight-year-old sister would.

 

[99gst_racer]

If your aren't leaking oil from the drain plug area, then don't worry about it. That crush washer is only there to prevent leaking. If there's no leak without it, then there is no issue.

Just reinstall a new one upon your next oil change, or if it begins leaking.

 

[Nayr747]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I really appreciate it!

I think he was referring to his oil drain pan.

Yup. Sorry, I should have been more clear.

Not leaking any oil (yet ).

Ok, well from what I'm hearing I should leave it alone until the next oil change unless it starts to leak...And feel like a dumbass for not checking if the washer was on there.

Last question: So where are you guys picking up your washers? Joyfil2001 mentioned the local auto parts store. I know the dealer would have them too, but what's the cheapest place? And when are you guys changing your washers? I can't see how it could be necessary to change it every oil change like Mitsu recommends.

 

[FP3065TSI]

I change my oil drain plug every 3 oil changes just for a piece of mind. I think every oil change is too much. thats my opinion!

 

[Defiant]

It's a 75¢ washer. Who gives a crap where it's from, the gas to pick it up will be triple its cost.

They used to come taped inside the filter box, but of course that's far too extravagant for them to do anymore.

 

[joyfil2001]

i get mine at advance auto. same place i get my oil. i change it every few oil changes

 

[Nayr747]

It's a 75¢ washer. Who gives a crap where it's from, the gas to pick it up will be triple its cost.

They used to come taped inside the filter box, but of course that's far too extravagant for them to do anymore.

You never fail to crack me up Defiant.

Thanks for the help guys!