Egine drain plug washer
 

Before anyone rolls their eyes or suggest I search, I did and found a bunch of discussions about replacing the drain plug washer at each oil change. But my question is (and I hope I did not miss this in a thread): can I replace the factory, spark plug type crush washer with a plain soft aluminum washer or fibre gasket washer?

I am kind of lazy and a tiny bit cheap. Those Subaru crush washers are $1~$2 each and are one-time use only. The soft aluminum and fibre gasket washers are anywhere from free ~ $0.10 each. They too are supposed to be one-time use only but being soft aluminum I flip them over and over and reuse them about 5 times before I finally replace them. They get flatter and flatter with each use.

I just changed my oil for the first time and I did buy the washer ($2 OTC at my local dealer!) but misplaced it so I just reused the old crush washer but I was not happy with how it felt when tightening the drain bolt. Instead of squishing down while torqueing, it was just like a solid washer. I hate cleaning and reusing spark plugs for the same reason.

Can I just use the soft aluminum washers (which I have about 20 of lying around)?

Oops, should be Engine drain plug washer...


TIA

I reckon it would be OK to use any kind of washer that keeps the oil from leaking out.

I have re-used crush washers until they actually split apart.

However, for a dollar or two, every 7,000 miles/7 months you may feel more comfortable in making the expenditure for a new crush washer ....:iono:


humfrz

I've reused the crush washer only once... could get the plug out on the next oil change, ended up at the dealership to get the oil changed. They had to replace the plug once it was removed. The mechanic at the dealership who has worked on my vehicles for 25 yrs told me to change it each and every time and you'll be able to remove the plug each and every time.

$1.29 from them is cheap enough.

If you want to play around with being cheap, getting ANY crush washer will do for purposes of the drain bolt. You do not have to buy Subaru.

Example:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Titan/413/4521...FY-Cfgod7bYM3Q

That's what I was wondering, if the Subaru crush washers were required. My biggest concern is the plug vibrating loose if I use the soft aluminum type washers.


When I buy filters in bulk on-line, some places include the soft aluminum washers for "free". So, I have about 20 of them in my garage. Reusing these is not a concern for me since I just flip them over each time. I even reuse the fiber washers. But it makes me nervous to reuse the Subaru washers because after the first use, they are no longer crush washers. They just become regular flat washers...

Yes, hence the purpose of them.

Most people will tell you that they can be reused. If you want to be 100% safe, don't reuse a crush washer of any material that was intended to be a crush washer in the first place.

This includes aluminum and copper crush washers.

-alex

Just get one of the Fumoto drain valves. That way you only have to replace the washer once and forget about it.


The model that fits our cars is the F-108
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VCCUJI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailp age_o04_s00"]Amazon.com: Fumoto F-108 Engine Oil Drain Valve: Automotive[/ame]

i never replace my drain plug washer on my honda's and toyota's. this subaru silly plug washer drives me crazy too. but since i buy the filters online and it typically comes with a washer, it is not too much of a trouble.

the only good thing out of this is that i can now tell what is a crush washer and what is not.

Okay, just went to ebay and purchased 10 filters with "free" Subaru crush washers for $50. So, now I just have to get over being lazy and change them each time...


Thanks, everyone!

what is the link for the item on ebay? it sounds a lot cheaper than i expected. thanks.

My local Subaru parts dealership gives them away free with the $6 oil filter,
Maybe they like my tits?

Just good marketing, that's all.

-alex

i accidentally reused an old crush washer from subaru and it leaked. My dealership throws in the washer with my filters. I have the fumoto valve now. quick, easy, and clean. :)

Dude....they sell crush washers for cheap at Lowes....

I've seen them in the hardware section in the pull out drawers generally under "Automotive". Bring your washer there and match it up.