Do you change your oil pan drain bolt crush gasket?

[islandboy57]

Up until recently I didn't even know there was a crush gasket! I did an oil change yesterday on the gen 3.5 and this time I picked up crush gaskets from Toyota.

I had to use a screw driver to pry the old crush gasket off the oil pan. I had never noticed it was even there! There was an oil leak coming from somewhere - could be some kind of gasket or seal leaking, or it could also be the fact that the crush gasket was old and deformed.

I was just curious what everyone else does - new or reuse? (now I'm curious if there's a crush gasket for my gen 5.5..)

[BMR]

I've never changed it on any of my vehicles. If I could remember to get some new ones for the Camry/Avalon when I'm at the dealer, I would. But then again, it hasn't been a problem, so why should I? Maybe I've just been lucky so far?

[eddie926]

I use a new one every time. That's the recommendation from my Toyota mechanic friend as well.

I would imagine there shoule be one on your Gen5.5 as well. I bought them for my Gen3.5 Camrys and my '02 Sequoia and the parts guy said they use the same ones for all Toyota vehicles.

[Heat]

I change it each time.

I only change oil two or three times a year (I drive only maybe 8,000 or 10,000 miles per year) - it's cheap insurance.

[toyomoho]

Rarely changed them unless leaking (very rare), the washer was damaged, distorted or doing a engine rebuild.

Some washers are non-metallic, if so buy spares. They are cheap enough and any auto parts store should have them. Even the metallic ones can become distorted after years of use.

When changing the oil, always look out for the washer. Often it does stick to the pan, if so typically just make sure it is still there when reinstalling the plug.

Seldom do the old washers leak and often the plug is over tightened because people think they are.

[LE05]

Originally Posted by islandboy57

I was just curious what everyone else does - new or reuse? (now I'm curious if there's a crush gasket for my gen 5.5..)

new, every time. they're cheap, so there's really no reason not to replace it. and yes, the gen 5.5 has a crush gasket on the oil pan drain plug as well.

[Mike Gerber]

I change mine at about every 5 or 6 oil changes just to be safe. I have never had one leak.

To those of you that have had them stick to the pan, there is a smooth side and a slightly ruffer side on the Toyota OEM gasket. The smooth side goes toward the pan to prevent it from sticking to the pan. A close friend who is a former Toyota tech, told me that some years ago. He said not even all the Toyota techs know there is a difference in the 2 sides.

Mike

[islandboy57]

Thanks for the input. I was curious what you guys did. I can't believe I just never noticed the crush gasket! I'll have to keep checking the ground now, to see if there are still fresh drops of oil every once in a while like it's been for the longest time.

LE05 - thanks for the info on the gen 5.5. Same crush gasket as the gen 3.5? I didn't listen to you on the transmission fluid drain bolt crush washer, and had to do it over. I've learned my lesson! Ha ha

Mike - thanks, I was wondering if there was a difference. I just shoved it on and tightened the bolt. Next time I'll have to pay attention so that I don't have to scrape the crush washer off again.

[Albuynp Ryeno]

I go to ace hardware and buy a new one. Its not called a crush washer tho. But u can find it easily since its a potato chip shape. Their is no point of re using it since it gets crushed the first time you put it on, and only the first time u use it.

[LE05]

Originally Posted by islandboy57

LE05 - thanks for the info on the gen 5.5. Same crush gasket as the gen 3.5? I didn't listen to you on the transmission fluid drain bolt crush washer, and had to do it over. I've learned my lesson! Ha ha

lol, np. just went to the dealership last week, getting ready to change the oil and transmission fluid this weekend... here's the part # for the oil pan drain plug gasket: 90430-12031 it's very likely the same crush gasket as the gen 3.5.

[Mazeraski]

I haven't changed mine, had the car just over a year...perhaps next oil change I shall do so

[chullen]

I always change the gasket cause it is meant to be used once until the next oil change. It can leak if you use if more than once.

[eurohazard]

Never have. And I am talking 32 cars in 16 years....I have never changed the crush gasket. I have owned my Camry longer than I've owned any other car (6 years). No leaks.

I understand the "it's so cheap, might as well change it" crowd. But I am not that kind of person. I also don't change my valve stems when buying new tires (also recommended).

[chullen]

Originally Posted by eurohazard

Never have. And I am talking 32 cars in 16 years....I have never changed the crush gasket. I have owned my Camry longer than I've owned any other car (6 years). No leaks.

I understand the "it's so cheap, might as well change it" crowd. But I am not that kind of person. I also don't change my valve stems when buying new tires (also recommended).

Its all your preference. I do it because I have seen the effects of not changing it. It is just easier to change a 29 cent gasket then deal with problem down the road in my mind. I mean I only have 60k on my motor and the time belt is not due for another 30k but I am doing it just because it is 10 years old and have seen cars with lower miles blow up or slip a belt due to not taking car of the car. I saw a 30k 1992 corolla that was taken care of but never had a belt change done blow a hole in the block. So you see it is all a matter of preference. You can or you can't, its up to you.

[Hajoca]

I replaced mine with a metal (aluminum) washer, and use a dab of RTV.