changing oil

I just noticed that Honda manual recommends a new washer every time the oil
is changed; the web site refers to this as a 'crush' washer. Web site says
not changing the washer may result in; 1)leaking oil and 2)possible
stripping of pan threads.

My questions are;
-How many oil change places actually change the washer (Jiffy Lube, etc.)?
-does a Honda dealer, if changing the oil, use a new washer?
-if I change my own oil, where would I purchase a new 'crush' washer?
Autozone?? or Honda dealer. (no local Honda dealer in my town).

I wonder how many folks know about this...

 

http://www2.pitstopautoparts.com/parts/pitstopautoparts/wizard.jsp?year=2000&make=HO&model=CVC-DX4-003&category=All&part=Oil+Drain+Plug+Gasket

 

For years, despite the manual's comment, I re-used the original washer on my
1991 Civic many times (now 149k miles). I had no problems.

Then I learned that changing the washer was highly recommended. (This makes
sense; washers lose their "spring," after all. I was just being stupid, going by
what others said generically about changing the oil, and didn't think much about
it). One of my Honda dealers sold them for 25 cents each, and I'd buy a handful
every few years. Another gave me a handful at no charge. I never tried Autozone,
but they might have the right gasket. You could check Autozone's online site,
first. You could also check some Honda online parts dealers. E.g.
http://www.honda-auto-parts-wholesale.com/ sells them for 32 cents each. Buy a
couple dozen and save on shipping.

I worked at a (non-Honda) dealer, and their service advisors always tried to
convince customers to have oil changes done there because, they claimed, Jiffy
Lube et al. didn't put in a new washer, and they did, among other things. I
don't know if this is true.

I think it's a safe bet the dealer puts on a new washer. Jiffy Lube et al. are
more a roll of the dice. But you could take your car to Jiffy Lube (or Wal-Mart,
as I think they're even cheaper) and hand them a washer you purchased at a Honda
dealer's, online, or wherever, and tell them to please use it. I bet they'd be
happy to put it on in place of whatever they were going to use.

 

Mine does, and my mechanic (same guy for years, now a friend of mine)
swears by it.

 

I was going to school for a little while in Idaho (during the winter) and
was unable to change my oil myself. So I took my car to a quick lube place.
I asked the guy before I gave him my car if they had the drain plug washers
and if they used a torque wrench. (both of these items greatly reduce the
stripped out oil pan problems) He said that they did. So I let them change
the oil. After returning home, I noticed a massive oil leak. I made sure I
still have oil and then drove back to the shop. I asked the guy to look
over the car and tell me what was up. He said it was leaking from the drain
plug. He said, "I don't know what happened, the washer LOOKED fine." Some
shops are all about trying to shave a few cents. He didn't replace the
washer the first time, even though I specifically asked him to.

 

I just noticed that Honda manual recommends a new washer every time the
oil

Autozone crush washers works fine. Problem is they usually don't have Honda
size. Put a dap of paint on your drain plug. Next oil change you know it's
been changed.

Most BMW parts dealers sell oil filters with a crush washer, this makes more
sense. If they don't put in a new washer 4 out of 5 times customer will
complain.
Indi

 

Next time you do it yourself, put a couple dabs of paint or nail
polish on the edge of the washer and you'll be able to tell if they
changed it next time you go to a dealership.

--- Bror Jace

 

The last time I let someone else change my truck's/car's oil was 1983.

Nail polish... good one!

Lipstick mechanics, hear that?

 

the local honda dealer charges me about 25 cents for a crush washer.. if
you change your oil every 3 months you can buy a dollars worth and have
enough for a year...... just keep them handy so you can find them when
needed....
but i bet some dealers might even try to charge you $2.00 for one??????

 

Nail polish makes a pretty good Loctite in an emergency.

 

I, on occasion, have a Valvoline Service Center change my oil when I don't
have time to do it myself.

I go there because they do change the washer...I can see my car(s)/truck the
whole time...and nobody else get in (drives it).

--
'03 S2000
'94 Accord

It's just about going fast...that's all...

http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/

 

I clean the old one and put it back on. Since there is little hydraulic
pressure on that bolt, there is no need for a crush washer. It would drip if
you don't have a washer on. It would strip if you abuse the bolt. Having a
crush washer will not protect the bolt from stripping. Whatever you do, don't
use nylon washer. It would crack and melt, letting the oil out.

I use a torque wrench on most nuts and bolts, yet I don't use it on that oil
drain bolt. That's how important it is.

 

"Sean Dinh"

Works once or twice on some cars. -I do it too.

The possible stripping of pan threads is usually due to customers tightening
the bolt to remedy the situation.