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Beware of these Oil sump plug washers

8.6K views 16 replies 8 participants last post by  JohnGD  
#1 ·
I bought a pack of rubberized oil sump plug washers from rockauto while getting a batch of filters. But during an oil change this week I thought I would re-use the one I had put on previously. This has worked for me in the past, but not this time!!!
These are going to go in the bin and I will get replacements that can handle the 27 ft lbs of torque.
I did replace the washer with a steel one wrapped in teflon tape and the video shows the wrapping process. This is working and I will do a swap at the next oil change, or before, if it starts to leak.
 
#4 ·
In some cases, oil drain plug washers are to be replaced after every oil change. It tearing apart after its removal isn't a big deal. It not sealing after it had been tightened would be an issue.

I have a tiny bag of like five "OEM" oil drain plug washers that I keep forgetting to use over the past few years.
 
#8 ·
I was too. (still am and will most likely put a clamp as extra safety over the handle) Never thought of using one until I bought a Toyota needing replacement washers every oil change and specific torque. Screw that, I'm too old for that shit. And don't get me going on the cartridge oil filter.
 
#7 ·
I had Fumoto on my '16 Corolla and wife's '15 Rav4 and they worked well, but the drain was angled back.
I'd not trust them on the new 2.5... the drain has very little angle to it and I'd not trust how far they hang down.
Honestly, the Avalon and Venza are the first cars I've not had a Fumoto on in 20 years... other than her '04 Rav4, which was also very low clearance. I had a Fram Sure-Drain on that one, but they don't make them anymore, and similar devices have extremely mixed reviews.

So I bought a magnetic "screw turner" and can keep my hand out of the hot oil AND not drop the bolt into the pan....
Saw Rainman Ray use one in one of his videos... pretty slick. Loosen the bolt, then stick this to it and spin it out.

 
#9 ·
I remember the good old days when every Toyota oil filter came with a new sump plug washer...

In saying that though, I always re-use them if I haven't got a freebie, and even unknowingly went without a washer entirely for probably two years with no leaks.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk
 
#10 ·
I remember the good old days when every Toyota oil filter came with a new sump plug washer...

In saying that though, I always re-use them if I haven't got a freebie, and even unknowingly went without a washer entirely for probably two years with no leaks.
My dad and I reused the old nylon washer on my '69 Buick for 10 years.
But for the Avalon/Venza, I bought a case of filters, and a bag of 10 washers from the dealer.
Got the boxes open and dropped a washer into each filter box.
 
#11 ·
I'll just repeat what I said earlier. In some cases, oil drain plug washers are to be replaced after every oil change. It tearing apart after its removal isn't a big deal. It not sealing after it had been tightened would be an issue.

So the washer only lasting one oil change sucks but you have a package of them so you can just replace it. It's not what I would consider indicative of it being bad. It did its job.
 
#13 ·
There's no need for anything else and I like @cb91710 's idea of getting a 10 pack of washers and filters and putting one in each box.

Some folks want all kinds of gadgets in their cars like @lE5QE0 and his high end sound system and super soundproofing and others want lowered suspensions or 20" wheels on a Corolla and so on. Me. I'm content with stock (although the TAL has more than I need in gadgets)

I'm getting older and stuff takes longer and is harder to accomplish. I just want stuff and tools that makes my life easier when it comes to maintenance, diagnostics and repairs.
That's my thrill. Didn't need heavy duty low profile ramps for oil changes. Have a small 2 ton and a decent 3 ton floor jack and 4 stands. I wanted them waited for a good sale and could afford them. Didn't need a storage and transport wheel dolly that can roll, stand upright and lay flat to roll the wheels off and on to avoid having to lift the wheels. Or a dedicated TPMS tool, a VXDIAG for TS. But I know for a fact... they will and do make my life so much easier. And when I have to deal with something it'll have les chances of being put off having things to make it easier. I always keep an eye out for stuff I could use down the road when a great sale comes along and buy it. The labor savings usually pay off each tool and gadget by the first use and avoid lots of swearing like I had to go through when I was young trying to fix stuff with cheap and an extremely limited selection of basic cheap tools. Some have never been used yet. When the day comes that it's needed it's there.

I view tools like Americans view guns: " 'Tis better to have one and never need it than to need one and not have it" And just like you don't use a .22 to kill a moose or a bear. The ight gun for the right game and the right tool for a repair.
 
#16 ·
Some of the Amazon reviews seem to indicate that they don't.

But again... Amazon reviews. Some people can't walk and chew gum at the same time, and sometimes you see an Amazon review with a picture talking about an entirely different product.

Counterfeit Toyota parts is indeed a big problem... particularly on Ebay, perhaps less so on Amazon, but I really don't think a $0.79 washer is going to be a fake.
 
#17 ·
I don't know if the coated aluminum washers are weaker than normal. If so then replace with each oil change.

I still prefer the good old plain aluminum washers, and just flip it over with each change. One can last several oil changes and still look ok. I personally tighten it elbow tight, but that's probably around 20 lb/ft. Even if I torque them I don't go above 22 lb/ft, but that's just me and not what FSM specs. Just be aware.

I'm not sure if the Dorman coated ones will last longer, or if they come from the same factory as the Ultra-Power. DORMAN 095-156 $0.50 a piece.

Steel washers don't really deform, which is the intention of using a softer metal for "crush washers". Therefore in OP's video the seal is provided by the teflon tape.

Looking on Dorman's catalog, doing a search "drain plug gasket M12", I see these:
095-143 (pack of 25) might fit your needs. Rockauto has it for $0.38 each in packs of 25.
097-143CD is pack of 2, $0.68 each, which you can try out first. Autozone can also order the two-pack for $2.99.

Package Quantity: 25
Brand: Dorman - AutoGrade - Boxed
Packaging Type: Box
Inside Diameter (in): 0.483 in
Gasket Material: Aluminum
Package Contents: 25 Aluminum Gaskets

If you want copper, try 097-829CD, $0.79 each: