Do you use a new crush washer with every oil change?
05-20-2016
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Do you use a new crush washer with every oil change?
For those of you who do your own oil changes (I have a 98 Civic and am getting ready to change it for the first time), do you replace the crush washer? I was reading here (http://m.owners.honda.com/faqs/motor-oil) and it said to do this. If you click on the "What is a crush washer" link you will see the statement I am referring to.
05-20-2016
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Re: Do you use a new crush washer with every oil change?
I try to. Every now and again, I'll do an oil change, only to discover I don't have a replacement washer. In that case, I'll "resurface" the copper washer I have on there with a piece of sandpaper laid flat on the concrete and reuse it (reused at most once if I do that). Haven't had any issues with that method yet. 
05-20-2016
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I'm searching for "crush washer," and I keep coming up with "drain plug gasket" in my search results. Is that another name for "crush washer"?
05-20-2016
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Re: Do you use a new crush washer with every oil change?
Most aftermarket parts stores should have a large selection of various drainplug washers (probably all in one plastic tray), you poke through until you find one that fits your needs.
Ours are a soft aluminum washer, for a plug with 14mm thread.
I use a new washer on all customer cars, unless there's a reason not to: Some with damaged threads (in the pan) end up getting a rubber coated washer or washer with embedded rubber O ring, so it can seal well at a low torque value, so I don't have to tighten so tight and further damage or strip completely the already weakened/damaged threads.
I've put the rubber types on all my personal and family cars.
05-21-2016
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Follow up question... mostly related.
Anyone consider changing out the drain plug for a drain valve? I remember some years ago all the automotive forums had tons of threads (no pun intended) about these. Seemed like a good idea, but to me I figured it wouldn't make much difference for the Civic, since you still get some mess to clean up with the filter removal. On the Subaru, the filter screwed in from the bottom of the block, so it was intrinsically clean. Still, I was never convinced the valve would stand up to the salt and brine here, and also I was too cheap to pay $20-30 for the thing.
Anyone consider changing out the drain plug for a drain valve? I remember some years ago all the automotive forums had tons of threads (no pun intended) about these. Seemed like a good idea, but to me I figured it wouldn't make much difference for the Civic, since you still get some mess to clean up with the filter removal. On the Subaru, the filter screwed in from the bottom of the block, so it was intrinsically clean. Still, I was never convinced the valve would stand up to the salt and brine here, and also I was too cheap to pay $20-30 for the thing.
05-21-2016
#9
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Do you use a new crush washer with every oil change?
Follow up question... mostly related.
Anyone consider changing out the drain plug for a drain valve? I remember some years ago all the automotive forums had tons of threads (no pun intended) about these. Seemed like a good idea, but to me I figured it wouldn't make much difference for the Civic, since you still get some mess to clean up with the filter removal. On the Subaru, the filter screwed in from the bottom of the block, so it was intrinsically clean. Still, I was never convinced the valve would stand up to the salt and brine here, and also I was too cheap to pay $20-30 for the thing.
Anyone consider changing out the drain plug for a drain valve? I remember some years ago all the automotive forums had tons of threads (no pun intended) about these. Seemed like a good idea, but to me I figured it wouldn't make much difference for the Civic, since you still get some mess to clean up with the filter removal. On the Subaru, the filter screwed in from the bottom of the block, so it was intrinsically clean. Still, I was never convinced the valve would stand up to the salt and brine here, and also I was too cheap to pay $20-30 for the thing.
05-21-2016
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Yes. Should make perfect sense if you think about it.
Most aftermarket parts stores should have a large selection of various drainplug washers (probably all in one plastic tray), you poke through until you find one that fits your needs.
Ours are a soft aluminum washer, for a plug with 14mm thread.
I use a new washer on all customer cars, unless there's a reason not to: Some with damaged threads (in the pan) end up getting a rubber coated washer or washer with embedded rubber O ring, so it can seal well at a low torque value, so I don't have to tighten so tight and further damage or strip completely the already weakened/damaged threads.
I've put the rubber types on all my personal and family cars.
Most aftermarket parts stores should have a large selection of various drainplug washers (probably all in one plastic tray), you poke through until you find one that fits your needs.
Ours are a soft aluminum washer, for a plug with 14mm thread.
I use a new washer on all customer cars, unless there's a reason not to: Some with damaged threads (in the pan) end up getting a rubber coated washer or washer with embedded rubber O ring, so it can seal well at a low torque value, so I don't have to tighten so tight and further damage or strip completely the already weakened/damaged threads.
I've put the rubber types on all my personal and family cars.
Yes, Pepboys had a 14mm unit that it said matched my Civic.
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