hi guys, i'm going to have my 2nd oil change. looking at the acrua site, there is something called "crush washer". anyone know what it exactly is & how much would that be? i'm going to switch to synthetic & probably have it done fm a local auto shop. i'm pretty sure that they will not change the "crusher washer" unless i bought one fm the dealer & have them put it on. also, i'm not familiar with synthetic. so, anything to worry about? does it last longer than the regular one, say 4000miles? 6000 or even more? & i should use 5w-30, right?

thx----

 

It's simply the washer for the drain plug. They say to change it, but it seams to work fine (doesn't leak) being reused a couple of times. Just my experience. Can't be much $'s at all. Yeah, I'd change to Synthetic about then. JMO

 

You are referring to the drain plug washer. It's made of softer metal and flattens out (to make a nice tight seal) when the drain plug bolt is tightened. It's recommended that they be replaced at each oil change. At about a quarter apiece, just buy a handful to make sure it's being replaced at your non-dealer oil changes.

Synthetics have a longer service life than petroleum oils. Most people feel comfortable extending the O & F change intervals to between 5 and 10 K using synthetics.

I don't have my manual handy, but I think our recommended oil viscosity is now 5W-20, for better fuel economy. 5W-30 won't hurt anything though.

 

the owner's manual did state to use 5W-20. however, a recent post mentioned that acura now switch to 5W-30. i'm not sure if it's true. or, can i actually use others like Mobile 1 10W-30 coz i can buy it fm COSTCO & have it done myself which can actually save me a bit of money? (they don't carry 5W-30):p :p :p

 

I to am about to swith to synthetic just over 8000 on the 2002 tl...
i dont think that 10-w30 would hurt anything but personally i am using 5-w30....valvoline pure synthetic...just my prefference...but oil weight really depends on where you live and the temp you will be exposing your car to....just my $.02....

 

Using 10W-30 will increase the amount of engine wear at cold startup since it is more viscose at lower temperatures and will not flow as quickly as 5W-20 or 5W-30.

In all honesty, you're best off using 5W-30. 5W-20, is most likely ok too, but 5W-30 will give you the best protection for the car.
Do a search. This topic has been addressed many times.

-Joshua

 

If I had to do it all over again I would of switched to synthetic on my 7500 oil change. I would let the dealer oil sit first for 3750, change oil 5w20 non-synthetic to get it up to 7500, then from that point change every 7500 using synthetic 5w20. (I ended up waiting to swtich at 15k though cuz I didnt know better, and I wanted my oil change intervals to be divisible by 7500)

 

As for the crush washer.

It can be reused (did it many times with my old Vigor), but it only costs $0.25.

As for oil.

Manual recommends:

5w-30 for '99-'01 TL and '02 TL-P (10w-30 only when outside temp is above 40 degr farenheit).
5w-20 for TL-S

IMO with 10w-30 on '99-'01 & '02 TL-P and 5w-20 on TL-S. Stay with what is recommended.

 

I love it - 8 pages and counting for a washer!

Yes, it can be reused, but the soft metal is not there just for sealing - it also helps avoid over tightening and damaging the threads in the aluminum oil pan. When you first use it, you can feel the washer initially compress and then a stronger resistance. You should not tighten past that point or risk damage. When you re-use the washer, you don't get that initial flattening protrction. If you are careful or use a torque wrench, no problem But Bozos at quickie lube places are notorious for over tightening in hopes of avoidng leaks, and actually can cause them. You do not want to damage the threads on that oil pan!