I was having a leak from my drain plug. I drained all the oil and thought I might aswell change out all the oil. I decided to replace the drain plug just for good measure. I went to my dealer and the lady at the parts center gave me two parts both looked foreign to me. One was a washer the other a slightly stubbier drain plug. Looking perplexed I bought the items and ran to the autozone next door to double check. Same deal, except the autozone plug came with a rubber washer. This entire time I have never noticed this washer on my plug. I have done 3 or so oil changes on my own and I have never had a problem before. I'm pretty sure I did not over tighten the bolt. I just have no explanation for this one. Any ideas I have a 07 Scion tC, which bolt should I be using?

Just for reference, my drain plug that came off the car (the one I have not had a problem with until now) is on the left. The one the dealer suplied to me is on the right with the washer.

 

use the dealer provided one with the washer if you are having leaks.

 

that crush washer is 100% necessary when doing an oil change. If your plug does not have it between the pan and the plug, your car will/can leak oil slowly. Not to mention, itll increase the chase the plug "rattles" out.

 

I don't have a washer either.... can i just buy the washer at somewhere?

 

yea use the washer, when i got my oil filter from the dealer she asked if i want the metal washer. I think it was like 50 cents.

 

just finished doing the oil change we will see if it makes a difference. so far no leaks. So long without a washer it starts leaking today of all days...:?

I ended up playing 5.64 for plug and washer, bit much but I was in sort of a jam.

 

My rubber washer broke apart one day. Haven't replaced it, but have been meaning to. I notice that around the drain plug, it is oily(not drippy, just looks like oily metal). It doesn't leak enough between oil changes for it to require added oil. The dipstick still shows full.

 

You probably never noticed the washer, because it gets so hot and stays stuck to your car, i usualy have to pry them off with razorblade or a flathead screw driver.

On a side note now that you got the shorter plug from the dealer (thats what i have as well) the washer from autozone work very well. I usually change mine every oil change just cuz its like 4 bucks for 2.

 

you should replace washers every time you take off the plug

 

if not every time at least every other time

 

Dealers usually hand them out for free if you ask for them. I know they put them in the OEM filter boxes when you buy their filters too. OEM filter is the best for our car turbo or NA anyhow but that's a whole different thread lol.