washer on oil pan bolt?

[chiapetchua01]

Hey guyschanging my oil this weekjust wondering, what kind of washer do you use for the bolt on the oil pan?Last time I changed it myself, I didn't change the washer so I'm guessing this time I should.

Thanks!

[BlackMetal]

it is a copper crush sealing washer.

the part number I have is:

11026-01M02 Washer Drain

I bought these at the dealer... you could also find them online...

[SneakyFish]

wow you had to buy them. the dealer just gives me 2 every time i buy an oil filter lol

[chiapetchua01]

thanks alot man!just wondering, whats the best way to take out the old washer?When I looked at it last time I oil changed, it looked pretty sunked in. That, or my 2nd oil change a while b when I let a local shop do it didn't put in a washer.

[SniperJoe]

The washer comes off easily ... just slip a knife, fingernail or something under the edge & you can then remove the old washer.

[chiapetchua01]

bless your soulman there are some real ***holes out there but its balanced out by the same amount of people who really want to help

[BlackMetal]

The washer does look pretty flat, I would have never thought it was a crush-type washer looking at the first one... I`m going to use the same technique and get under it with a razor knife and edges up.



I bought some at a local dealer. I don`t use the OEM filters unless I have no other option. Currently I`m using Hastings or WIX.., so I didn`t get any free washers...

[white6spd]

Is this for the 2.5 and the 3.5, I have had my Alti for 2 years now and have about 21K on the clock, I have never changed the washer.

[BlackMetal]

Is this for the 2.5 and the 3.5, I have had my Alti for 2 years now and have about 21K on the clock, I have never changed the washer.

the only reason I can come up with is that the il pan is steel and not a perfect sealing surface like aluminum... IDK...

but, I imagine nissan designed this to keep torque or preload on the plug with a sealing type washer so maybe vibration doesn`t back it out... just guessing here. If anyone really know could you enlighten us? thanks...

[Throckmorton]

the only reason I can come up with is that the il pan is steel and not a perfect sealing surface like aluminum... IDK...

but, I imagine nissan designed this to keep torque or preload on the plug with a sealing type washer so maybe vibration doesn`t back it out... just guessing here. If anyone really know could you enlighten us? thanks...

The crush washer does more than prevent a leak between your drain plug and oil pan. A crush washer is designed to be a one time 'use and throwaway' item. It is designed to 'crush', so you don't strip the threads on the oil pan, by over tightening the bolt. They are not designed to be reused, however as you have discovered, you can reuse them.

The new washer, purchased either at a Nissan dealer, Auto Zone, Advance Auto, Pep Boys, etc, is very cheap. I think I spent just a few dollars for a pack of them, and they will last me quite a while.

I know from experience about changing the washer. A few years back, I owned a 1986 Accord. I changed oil and filter every 3000 miles, never changing the drain bolt crush washer. After a few short years, I stripped the threads on the oil pan from overtightening the drain bolt.

I spent over $200.00 having a new oil pan installed. Now I have learned my lesson, and change the crush washer every time.

From the Nissan Altima Service Manual:

1. Position the vehicle so it is level on the hoist.2. Warm up the engine and check for oil leaks from the engine.3. Stop engine and wait for 10 minutes.4. Remove the oil pan drain plug and oil filler cap.5. Drain the engine oil.6. Install the oil pan drain plug with a new washer and refill the engine with new engine oil.

Oil pan drain plug : 34.3 N·m (3.5 kg-m, 25 ft-lb)

CAUTION:

• Be sure to clean the oil pan drain plug and install with a new washer.[/I]

• The refill capacity depends on the oil temperature and drain time.

Not once but TWICE the crush washer was mentioned in this procedure. Nissan wants to stress the importance of a new crush washer.
Modified by Throckmorton at 6:48 PM 10/11/2009

[BlackMetal]

well thank you for all that... man if I ever strip out a drain plug, I`ll quit being a mechanic...