Acceptable drain plug washer

K

kapjim

My 1997 Legacy's oil plug used Subaru's crush washers, but in recent
years all Subaru has (here) is some flat washers. If a flat washer is
acceptable then would there be any issue using just any old flat
washer of the proper size? I'm surer I have plenty in my hardware
parts drawer.
 
My 1997 Legacy's oil plug used Subaru's crush washers, but in recent
years all Subaru has (here) is some flat washers. If a flat washer is
acceptable then would there be any issue using just any old flat
washer of the proper size? I'm surer I have plenty in my hardware
parts drawer.

Probably OK, but try to get the tightest ID fit on the plug and an OD
that comes close to the pan flange.

You'd be best off with a copper or bronze washer, but I'm guessing that
aluminum might work as well.

Some places sell nylon ones, but they have problems on some pans.

--
"Shit this is it, all the pieces do fit.
We're like that crazy old man jumping
out of the alleyway with a baseball bat,
saying, "Remember me motherfucker?"
Jim “Dandy” Mangrum
 
Probably OK, but try to get the tightest ID fit on the plug and an OD
that comes close to the pan flange.

You'd be best off with a copper or bronze washer, but I'm guessing that
aluminum might work as well.

Some places sell nylon ones, but they have problems on some pans.
You want an annealed copper or soft aluminum washer.
 
My 1997 Legacy's oil plug used Subaru's crush washers, but in recent
years all Subaru has (here) is some flat washers.  If a flat washer is
acceptable then would there be any issue using just any old flat
washer of the proper size? I'm surer I have plenty in my hardware
parts drawer.


I just went ahead and bought a box of 10ea. 20mm crush washers;

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SNRGAA
 
Thanks much. Amazon has everything, of course. If I can find a local
supply for lesser quantity I might do that. At 195k miles now, not
sure if I'll use 10 washers.
Aw c'mon, go for 300k!
 
Thanks much. Amazon has everything, of course. If I can find a local
supply for lesser quantity I might do that. At 195k miles now, not
sure if I'll use 10 washers.

Understood, I DO have 2 Soobs to maintain.

Local dealer or Jamie at www.subarugenuineparts.com - maybe you need a
coupla other parts and could get 2-3 washers thrown in with the order?

Anyway, I couldn't find any aftermarket washers that seemed to be the
right size.
 
It's been so long since I had one of the crush washers, I need
confirmation that I recall correctly: flat side against the plug?

Good question. I'm not sure it matters but, I put the 'flat' facing up/
out - so it's on the pan. No leaks so far.
 
Good question. I'm not sure it matters but, I put the 'flat' facing up/
out - so it's on the pan. No leaks so far.

Thanks/ FWIW I just remembered I had some info and found a note on
my repair folder saying the opposite, which I recall came from this
newsgroup in 1997. lol. Never leaked that way either.
 
Thanks/ FWIW I just remembered I had some info and found a note on
my repair folder saying the opposite, which I recall came from this
newsgroup in 1997. lol. Never leaked that way either.
Original install is flat to the plug.
 
I just went ahead and bought a box of 10ea. 20mm crush washers;

What's the argument against cleaning the old parts and
reassembling with black RTV, which is what I usually do?
 
What's the argument against cleaning the old parts and
reassembling with black RTV, which is what I usually do?

--
Jack Myers / Westminster, California, USA

I've often said there's nothing better for the inside of a man
than the outside of a horse. --Ronald Reagan

If you're not leaking or clogging the oil pick up screen - no argument.
 
What's the argument against cleaning the old parts and
reassembling with black RTV, which is what I usually do?
I was going to ask about that. The current install has a very slow
leak (far less than 1 qt in 3k miles). I think it was a crush washer
I was reusing. When I was tightening the plug I heard a crunch, like
a grain of sand shattering (although I clean things well). I removed
it and cleaned things again. Perhaps it was actually a tiny dent in
the washer which I didn't notice - which sealant would have prevented
from being a leak issue
 

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