Oil drain plug crush washer / sealing washer

[IdahoBob]

I just flip it over and re-use it. They last many, many uses.

[cn90]

- Helping a friend with leaky drain washer without draining the oil.

- This is just generic procedure for virtually any car.

- DEFINITELY need a helper (in this case my son) to apply vacuum to the filler hole.

- Have a drain pan ready just in case.

- Once the drain plug is removed, you will hear gurgling sound from the vacuum sucking and air entering the drain hole. Make sure the old gasket is removed and the surface is clean. Then swap a new gasket in and torque properly.

- It is as easy as 1-2-3...

The video below shows a rag, but we did NOT use any rag. No need for the rag.
Just remove the vacuum hose and clean with a garden hose for the tiny amount of oil that might have entered the hose itself (maybe 2-3 drops or so).

[jonesg]

I just flip it over and re-use it. They last many, many uses.

copper can be annealed with a propane torch.

[GlennG2759]

For the price buy a couple dozen, same one for transmission drain plug

[kallekula]

- Helping a friend with leaky drain washer without draining the oil.

- This is just generic procedure for virtually any car.

- DEFINITELY need a helper (in this case my son) to apply vacuum to the filler hole.

- Have a drain pan ready just in case.

- Once the drain plug is removed, you will hear gurgling sound from the vacuum sucking and air entering the drain hole. Make sure the old gasket is removed and the surface is clean. Then swap a new gasket in and torque properly.

- It is as easy as 1-2-3...

The video below shows a rag, but we did NOT use any rag. No need for the rag.
Just remove the vacuum hose and clean with a garden hose for the tiny amount of oil that might have entered the hose itself (maybe 2-3 drops or so).

Never seen that being done before!

[volvolugnut]

I just flip it over and re-use it. They last many, many uses.

copper can be annealed with a propane torch.

Added information on annealing crush washers: The copper will work harden (multiple shape changes cause hardening) from the crushing force (I assume it takes several crush cycles). As suggested by jonesg, the copper washer can be heated to near red hot by a torch and let air cool to anneal back to a soft condition. The soft, annealed washer will crush to conform to the minute differences between the drain bolt and pan surface. Once the washer is removed, reuse will change the position of the mating and may allow leakage.

Same annealing works for copper tubing. If your copper tube needs a new bend, but is too stiff, anneal with a torch and bend as needed.

volvolugnut