I just wanted to see if anyone has EVER had a leak from the oil pan or transmission drain plug from not replacing the crush washer. I've NEVER changed one and have NEVER had a leak. Am I the only one who's had good luck or is this crush washer replacement a legacy of our grandfathers? I understand some peoples view that it's cheap so "why not?", but I've got plenty of more entertaining things to spend my money on instead of crush washers! Thanks for any horror stories from catastrophic leaks causing ruined transmissions or engines attributable to not replacing crush washers. lol

 

I never replace them for oil changes. I do on trans fluid since I am not likely to touch it again for a good while.

 

I don't think I've heard of any failures (either minor or catastrophic) on here.

Regardless, I replace mine every time. I bought a pack of 10 (?), a couple years ago that I use on the '02. I've got a bunch left. For the '07, the washers come with the filters I buy.

 

I've never replaced one in 100,000 miles and no leaks. I do think a new one makes it easier to feel when its tight.

 

That's what she said.

 

Never had an issue from recycling washers but, with that being said, they're a few cents each and that's cheap for peace of mind. Going to pick up a few today for the impending MTF change.

 

Pretty much the same experience as the others. For years, I never changed one on any car I owned, and never had a leak.

A while back, I got into the habit of using OEM oil filters on my vehicles, so when I order a few filters, I also get some washers at the same time.

 

I change mine. peace of mind regardless always helps.

 

I buy ahead but occasionally run out and reuse. Never had a leak.

 

I was always taught to replace it with the oil change and my Acura dealer includes the washer with the filter... so.... eh!

 

Never once ever changed a washer never any leak.

 

Check this out, I've done 40 or so oil changes between my two Acuras with ten years of use between them. Never an issue until last weekend! Did an oil change on the CL and had a small puddle under the car the next day. Couldn't get the leak to stop until I installed a crush washer. No clue why no leaks until now.

 

Before I was old enough to change my own oil my dad never changed the washer.

I dont think he's ever had a problem but we're talking an 89 civic LX. I dont mind spending an extra few bucks for a grip of washers for my TL. I bought like 15 a few years ago. still using them to this day.

 

http://owners.acura.com/Maintenance/...atoil&id=crush

I will gladly waste $0.50 on a plug washer and have peace of mind.

 

Pokin: Do you really perform every service the dealer recommends at their prescribed interval? Yes, over torquing will strip your threads, even if you have a brand new crush washer installed. Every time I have to get my oil changed at a quicky lube I feel like I'm walking through a bad neighborhood late at night. I'll probably be fine but the odds are a lot worse than usual. I change my oil and then go back out and check for leaks a little while later. It there's not a single drop an hour later I call it good. That's my peace of mind.

 

And "crush" washer is a total misnomer. If you are truly crushing it (think compression fitting in plumbing), then you have serious trouble. I've had many cars, many 100's K of miles, never changed, never a problem.

 

I think the point of the link was to show Acura's explaination of why the crush washer should be replaced.

 

arguing semantics.

it's being crushed between the bolt and pan to form a seal.

One can see after repeated usage is washer material shearing off when the bolt is tightened.

Eventually it'll wind up with a lip on the edge just how Brembo rotors turn out after significant wear without resurfacing. Loss of material probably causes the issues with having a proper seal.

 

I'm guessing that they're actually semi-reusable. Whenever I change oil I reuse it but it seems at least once a year I wind up having to go to a quick lube place and they probably put a new one on, which last me the next few oil changes. Just a guess.

 

I just bought a handful of washers when I ordered my pressure switches since they were so cheap.

 

+2, good explanation on why you should replace them. I also use a very small amount of Permatex Aviation Gasket Sealer #2 on the crush washer to help seal it. The crush washer helps seal the drain plug and prevents the stripping of threads.

Using a crush washer a few times (2-4) is OK, after that they definitely get thinner with use. For the engine oil they are so cheap I always replace them, the transmission and differential crush washers I use a few times before replacing them.

 

I used to get the copper crush washers at AutoZone. They don't sell them any more, and only sell assorted packs for $4, which is too expensive.

Where can I find these other than at the dealer? I'd need to get some today, and the parts dept. aren't open today.

 

Piggybacking on IHC's post (#4) above, I have had a leak once. I reused a crush washer for the second time and didn't tighten the bolt enough. I got used to the nice progression in the feel while tightening the bolt using a new crush washer. Went underneath, wrenched it harder, and no more leak. I am skiddish about over-tightening and damaging the oil pan, given that the oil pan bolt torque spec is only something like 28 or 29 ft lbs. Don't have that "feel" reusing old ones and have never had a leak when using new crushers. The question I would have is: If you use a torque wrench on a used washer at 29 ft lbs, could it leak? I'm guessing folks just torque used washers harder and don't have any issues.