Is it necessary to replace the oil pan drain plug washer/gasket every time you change the oil?
They are not easy to find locally.

 

If it looks to be in good shape (not distorted) you can use them a few times if you don't get crazy with torque upon tightening.

The ones with the steel outer ring with rubber insert seem to last a few oil changes.

Aluminum or copper can get crushed after a few uses. (or one big overtighten!!)

 

Thanks!
Do you know the torque setting for the drain plug?

 

Look up "dowty washers" on Amazon. I believe the size on the drain plug is M18 (not sure, measure the diameter to get the correct size). You can buy them in bulk at economical prices. Or try any place that sells hydraulic equipment; they should have them too

 

Never used a torque wrench on any sump plug on any car in my life.

Nice and firm, with a dose of Common Sense has served me well.

Washers, whatever I can source, usually copper, in packs of 20. Using the above method, about 4 uses, with a turn over at the 3rd use, thus using the other side. The V12's were the worst, usually due to Rock Ape previous people.

Dowty entered a bit, but the later stuff has an o/ring, PITA.

 

The oil drain plug is M20 x 2.5mm.

'SNUG' is good.

Stripped Threads = BAD.

 

Figured I'd rather bump an established thread than needlessly start a new one. I just bought a 10-pack of these drain plug washers for less than $5 shipped from https://www.anhosefittings.com/dowty...bsp-13-16.html

 

See page 11 of the doc below

Drain plug to oil pan 64.8 to 79.2 Nm

573 to 701 inch pounds which is quite high

As Motorcar man says snug is good over thight is bad , mine took 8 days to get mine off from the previous owner not wanting to damage things in the process

Snug and keep a eye on it after a engine run warming things up

We always did this when tampering with the engine oil systems on aircraft and plenty of accidents have accured when not verified