oil pan bolt????

[dum8ss1236]

i did my first oil change (switched to synthetic) this past weekend and i ran into a little problem. when i removed the bolt from the oil pan it seemed to have had a blue washer with it. i didn't realize it until i pulled my drainer out and saw it, i had already closed everything up under the car but being a guy that likes to do everything right, i did go back under and put it back on. i was wondering if the washer is an important piece to prevent leakage. i have changed oil on three different vehicles (honda,lincoln,nissan) and have never seen a washer do all 4runners have the washer???

 

[zduchene]

Here are the specs, I hope this helps.

 

[zduchene]

the second:

 

[mikestang]

I have no idea what zduchene is saying, but my Canton oil pan on my mustang has a copper washer on the drain plug, and I forgot to put it back on once (it got spit into my oil catch) and my pan leaked all over the first night after I changed it. Luckily I didn't drive any where. So my experience says if it came with a washer, then it needs it.

 

[zduchene]

I was merly showing all the bolts in the oil pan on the '04 4runner.

 

[Uneek]

i did my first oil change (switched to synthetic) this past weekend and i ran into a little problem. when i removed the bolt from the oil pan it seemed to have had a blue washer with it. i didn't realize it until i pulled my drainer out and saw it, i had already closed everything up under the car but being a guy that likes to do everything right, i did go back under and put it back on. i was wondering if the washer is an important piece to prevent leakage. i have changed oil on three different vehicles (honda,lincoln,nissan) and have never seen a washer do all 4runners have the washer???

I haven't changed the oil on my 4R with the 4.0 V6 yet. But I have on my '05 Taco (same engine) and that does have a washer on the drainplug. When I got my oil filters at the dealer, I got the washers. The washer is suppose to be replaced each time the drainplug is removed. I noticed that this is different from our '90 Toyota truck, which had a metal washer that was permanently on the drainplug.

 

[Koz]

The 4Runner uses a sealing washer.

Koz

 

[JungleJim]

The 4Runner uses a sealing washer.

Koz

Is that the same as what mechanics call a "crush" washer? In my 25 years of changing oil, the cars either used a copper or aluminum washer that "crushed" under pressure to make a good seal.

The only exception was an '89 Cavelier my wife came into the marriage with. It took a special washer. It was aluminum, but also has an inside rubber ring connected to the aluminum.

dum8ss1236 mentions that he's never seen a drain plug washer on other vehicles. I have never seen one without one. I don't understand how there could be a good seal without one.

dum8ss1236 - Since the 4Runner needs a washer, you'll need to put one on (even though you'll lose a some of that synthetic oil).

 

[toto]

I've seen this washer on the oil plug (yes, I'd call it a "crush washer") on all Toyota products I've owned.

However, I hardly ever change it, and I've never had one leak. I wouldn't worry about pulling the plug out now and changing the washer unless you have a problem with it.

I'm sure I'll get flamed for not changing it.

 

[greasefingers]

I replaced the metal crush washer with fiber a one. I picked up a ten pack of these washers on the web.

Just look at it after driving a bit. If it leaks it will not be huge. If it leaks more than you like then repeat the procedure again.

 

[jacal]

Strange, when I did my oil I had ordered the washer when I bought the OEM filter. Both were black and a hard rubber compound.

Personally I'd re-use the one you took off and watch for leaks, but get a new one next time.



J

 

[Koz]

Is that the same as what mechanics call a "crush" washer? In my 25 years of changing oil, the cars either used a copper or aluminum washer that "crushed" under pressure to make a good seal.

The only exception was an '89 Cavelier my wife came into the marriage with. It took a special washer. It was aluminum, but also has an inside rubber ring connected to the aluminum.

dum8ss1236 mentions that he's never seen a drain plug washer on other vehicles. I have never seen one without one. I don't understand how there could be a good seal without one.

dum8ss1236 - Since the 4Runner needs a washer, you'll need to put one on (even though you'll lose a some of that synthetic oil).

Some people call it a crush washer but it really isn't. A crush washer is more like the washer you would see on a brake line that actually compresses and should be replaced.

Koz

 

[dum8ss1236]

thanks for the advice, i guess i'll be asking my dealer for a new washer the next time i do an oil change. by the way the washer was a bluish color, so i'm assuming the dealer would know what kind of washer i need?

 

[Kmvreter]

thanks for the advice, i guess i'll be asking my dealer for a new washer the next time i do an oil change. by the way the washer was a bluish color, so i'm assuming the dealer would know what kind of washer i need?

Personally I've never seen a vehicle without an oil drain (bolt) sealing gasket (washer.)
Since you are doing your own oil changes then stay away from the stealer except to buy oil filters (even with these, price them out over the net.) Make it easier on yourself and install a Fram or Fumoto drain valve. By the way, these also come with the sealing washer included.

 

[greasefingers]

Some people call it a crush washer but it really isn't. A crush washer is more like the washer you would see on a brake line that actually compresses and should be replaced.

Koz

Exactly ... real crush washers are a one time only application. They cannot be reused and seal properly. However, almost any material will work for something so simple as a sump plug seal even cork!

 

[Koz]

Exactly ... real crush washers are a one time only application. They cannot be reused and seal properly. However, almost any material will work for something so simple as a sump plug seal even cork!

I've seen crush washers re-used and no leaks but you correct. I always replace them!

Koz

 

[sesegal99]

Are these on the 06's as well. I just changed my oil, didn't notice anything like that. Put the bolt back on, which by the way was a 14mm, no probs as of yet.

I did loosen the diff fluid bolt ( i take it that is what it was ..red in color behing the oil pan) by accident and drain some before I caught it. They really should label under there.

 

[Kmvreter]

Are these on the 06's as well. I just changed my oil, didn't notice anything like that. Put the bolt back on, which by the way was a 14mm, no probs as of yet.

Not sure if they are used on the '06. I looked back at my records from before I started doing my own oil changes. They are referred to as a gasket (part # 90430-12031) on the stealer service invoice (as included within the oil change.)

 

[dum8ss1236]

yes it is on the 06's because mine is an 06 SE V6.

 

[Uneek]

Are these on the 06's as well. I just changed my oil, didn't notice anything like that. Put the bolt back on, which by the way was a 14mm, no probs as of yet.

Most likely, if they're on the '05 Tacoma V6. The washer maybe stuck to the pan and you'll need something to break it loose or scrape it off. The washer was stuck tight on my Camry that I didn't change it on its first oil change.