IPSC

I did a search but it did not come up with anything. How important is the copper washe on the oil drain plug? I just changed my oil and guess what I forgot to put back on... Should I drain the oil and put the washer back on or just wait till the next oil change?

IPSC

TheCooler

Its a seal/gasket and if it leaking ...then drain the oil but if not then dont bother.

seb928s

Hmm I would put a new one on only 25 cents don't know if it should be done asap or if it can wait. The only thing I can tell you don't need to drain all the oil. Here is what you can do get the oil pan out and get some type of cardboard or plastic table cover (I use that only 99cents) and lay it under your car then put the oil pan in place. After you set that up unscrew the plug slowly it will start to drain once you feel the plug is almost out get the washer and have it ready it's an two hand job here, then you screw the plug all the way and pull it out just enough to put the washer out this will be drity but you won't loose all your oil shouldn't loose to much if done right. Also would be good to do this on a cold engine as the oil is thicker and not hot so it won't burn you. Anyone else have a better idea or does he need to even put it in or can he go 3000 miles without it?

Blue S2

I got an idea-
1. Turn the car upside down
2. Take the plug off and reinsert the washer
3. Replug and flip car back over

You wont lose a drop! Might not be too reasonable of an idea though!

inactiveuser92616

well, chances are it will seep oil a bit. That, in turn might lube up the threads on the oil plug, allowing it to wiggle its way out. If I were you, I would get a nice clean pan to drain the oil into, and then put the washer back on, and resuse the oil. (If you did just change the oil, it should still be good to use again) Just pour it back in with a funnel.

A friend of mine tried to change his differential oil, but couldnt get the plug off. He gave up, and drove away. Well, a week later he had a seized differential. Why? He had broken the seal of the plug *just* enough for the oil to seep onto the threads of the plug and vibration did the rest. The plug fell out, dumped his oil all over the road, and he got maybe 5 miles further. Luckily for him it was an old toyota 4x4, so differentials are cheap for him. Are 944 engines cheap for you?

Chris_924s

I have re-used my "old" one a few times- Now I carry a spare set of 10 with me.. I think they were about 7 bucks for 10. Get a pack and save yourself future worry.

Blue S2

OH!!!! That happened to my neighbors car!!! He took it for an oil change and they didnt replug correctly! He did not get far at all!!!! Luckily the shop paid for it. The manager couldn't believe what had happened! That man was not happy! Yeah, make sure its on there well! The oil pan idea is good. Just toss it back in when you are through.

inactiveuser92616

wouldn't all the oil come pouring out of the PCV valve... into the air filter?

Blue S2

There goes that idea...

Danno

Ok, turn the 270-degrees towards the driver's side and 90-degree vertically! That'll do it!

Zero10

I had no idea they had to be replaced until recently.
The PO had 2 washers on it, and I re-used the pair 3 times. When it goes back together (it's in pieces now), it's getting a new washer. Mine never leaked a drop though.

IPSC

OK I drained the oil into a new pan put the washer back on the plug put it back on and then tightend down. it was seeping just a bit of oil so this was a good thing to do. Oh and by the way I really wish I could turn the car 90 degrees to that side.

IPSC

Jgordon

Danno, who's the nice lady in your avatar?

David Floyd

We don't have a PCV valve. I think you are talking about the oil/air seperator ?

CT944

I did the same thing, no leaks. Will replace at next oil change.