I've been caught. 2 oil changes ago, i broke a hard-fast rule of letting someone else change my oil. Anyway, last time, I did it myself and notice the drain plug looked like it had been torqued way down, but hoped for the best. Wiped the pan clean as always - it was dry and unstained when I was done. Anyway, I'm under the car today and notice this (the bolt is not stripped):







Will a fresh drain bolt and washer correct this? Or do you think a new pan is necessary?

 

it has not dripped on my driveway or parking spot at the office.

 

looks like that washer was really crushed, and as long as it threads good and such, you probably just need a new washer (and fyi honda recommends replaceing it EVERY oil change)

 

it does look crushed. i'm hoping it didn't make an impression on the pan itself - i was too afraid to look at the time.

to my knowledge, this is the original plug and washer (150K). certainly since i've had the car (at 60K). have never had a problem on this or the civics and accords i've had.

if careful and precise, they can last a looooong time.

 

i usually change them every other oil change, its so ridiculously cheap so why not

 

not really likely, since the washer is a softer aluminuim then the pan itself
as said biggest thing is the threads possible being jacked, but again not to likely if only done once, but then again if tightened tight enough that is all it would take



as far as lasting, don't get me wrong they can if taken care of, but as said they are so cheap (i think like 50 cents or something from the dealer), that it's not really a biggie for needing replacement

 

if never overtorqued,, they are ok to reuse
but as said - they are pretty cheap insurance

I would replace the bolt and washer on this car- the bolt threads have been stressed badly

 

You didn't remove the bolt right? How do you know it's not stripped?

It looks there IS an impression into the pan. I'm betting that when you do remove the bolt, the threads on the pan will be stripped. More likely the threads on the pan go, than the threads on the bolt. Takes a lot of torque to get the impression (about as deep as the thickness of the washer) into the pan.

 

The washer will only crush to a certain point (which is not a lot of crush). Then it becomes just as stiff and will go right into the pan, if the threads hold up.

 

you're right - they are cheap. it is a hassle getting to the dealer before they close for a part I've never had problems with though......

read first post - it was 2 oil changes ago and I did the most recent. the bolt wasn't stripped and the threads still looked o-k.

guess i'll pick up a couple bolts and washers and watch it for a couple days.

 

looks ok--lol- spend 2 bucks on a new bolt
the threads on the bolt are stronger than on the pan and will rip them right out given the chance~

I use autozone washers for 14mm honda drain plugs they also sell- even as a combo pack of washer and bolt!! how easy can it get,,
grab some on sale oil and bolt...a can of seafoam lol

 

easy with the assumptions there, tom - all the parts houses around here sell the rubber washers only. the true crush washer is a dealer only item here.

 

NAPA(never any parts available) sell a new bolt and washer for like $3 or so.

 

Woops... yea, you'll probably be fine with a new bolt and washer. Probably only washer needed. But wouldn't hurt for a new bolt.

 

the thing is, the washer was crushed against the bolt if iirc. whatever - new bolt and washer it is. i'll pick up a couple and have them on stand-by.

 

I use the same bolt over and over again, but replace the washer EVERY time...They come in a pack of four for $2.08 at Advance...So why not?

 

are u sheeting me?- places sell rubber washers for drain plugs!!!
ok for the coolant on rad, but the oil drain? you are pulling my leg right?

Then let me disclaimer for safety-
dont use rubber washer on oil drain plugs
and that means you wouldnt use one over and over~

the bolt is made of a different metal -steel- and can be used many time as long as its never wildly quick lube shop over-torqued

Every bolt on the car has a torque setting and a `shear` point where it will break

the appropriate CRUSH washer does just that,,slightly deforms to mate with the engine metal and make an excellent seal
correct torque is 29 foot pounds on oil plug

 

http://www.acuraoemparts.com that dealer never closes

 

whats the shipping $ on 4 drain plugs? <g>

 

Just a fyi, when you buy a new drain plug bolt from auto parts, it comes with a rubber washer. I throw them away and use a new crush washer.