[Canoman]

Do you need a new drain plug gasket EVERY time you change the oil? I got some filters at the Nissan dealer, but forgot the gaskets. Can I reuse the one that's there, or should I wait until next week and go pick up a few gaskets?

 

[Eric L.]

I change my drain plug gasket every other oil change. I bet the quickie lube shops don't even do this, so its probably not required. But its not a bad idea, you can pick them up for abotu 50 cents each at your local dealer.

 

[9495]

$0.50 seems a little high. I think mine were about $0.10 each.

With my wife's car it's a rubber gasket, so as long as the rubber is in good shape and clean I'm comfortable re-using it (sometimes lasts 3 changes).

My Del Sol had true crush washers, where it was a metal that crimped down and formed a nice seal. They DEFINITELY had to be changed every oil change.

The MO's crush washer is a little different. I'd say that in a pinch it should be fine to re-use it once, but I wouldn't want to do it less frequently than every other. I always try to have several extra crush washers on hand just in case (recently bought 8 oil filters and 12 washers).

I also like having an extra drain plug on hand as well.

 

[Eric L.]

$0.50 seems a little high. I think mine were about $0.10 each.

With my wife's car it's a rubber gasket, so as long as the rubber is in good shape and clean I'm comfortable re-using it (sometimes lasts 3 changes).

My Del Sol had true crush washers, where it was a metal that crimped down and formed a nice seal. They DEFINITELY had to be changed every oil change.

The MO's crush washer is a little different. I'd say that in a pinch it should be fine to re-use it once, but I wouldn't want to do it less frequently than every other. I always try to have several extra crush washers on hand just in case (recently bought 8 oil filters and 12 washers).

I also like having an extra drain plug on hand as well.

For the nissan gasket, 50 cents would on the cheap side. Courtesy charges 69 cents each for them I think. In either case, 10 cents or 69 cents, its certainly not a back breaker.

 

[9495]

Right you are. I just looked up my receipt and they were actually $0.65 each! I must have been thinking of my Del Sol crush washers or something.

Still negligible, especially considering how much you save by not taking it into a service center...

 

[Stoker]

My dealer supplies a gasket for every filter that you purchase so that you can change the copper gasket every time you change your oil.:2:

 

[Gonzo]

Ah I think I change them about every 6 changes or so.... never had any leaks. I am more concerned about the plug itself. I'm over cautious about the thread getting worn and cross threading the oil pan threads. Come to think of it I guess I change the plug at the same time as the washer too.

 

[Kris]

It is just plain to cheap not to change it.....and too risky too.......

 

[ekaxel]

I'm with cryo. I have never changed mine....

 

[njjoe]

O'Brien Nissan in Wyckoff, NJ throw in the washer when you buy the filter.