WARNING, ON TOPIC POST!
 

When I try this using the plug, I always end up with an arm full of oil, and
usually end up dropping the plug.
At least the oil filer method limits the amount of drained oil.
"pws" > wrote in message
...
> Zog The Undeniable wrote:
>
> > Or just let a bit run out of the sump plug. The washer will be fine if
> > reused just this once.
>
> More than just this once.
> I re-used the washer on my last car at least 10 times and it never
> leaked a drop from drain hole. I know the previous owner of a 1991 model
> who went over 10 years using the same washer without leaking.
>
> The original washer on my parent's Camry is leaking a tiny amount of oil
> after 13 years and 145K miles, so I will probably make sure I replace
> mine at least once every 30 oil changes or so.
>
> Pat

WARNING, ON TOPIC POST!
 

Chuck wrote:
> When I try this using the plug, I always end up with an arm full of oil, and
> usually end up dropping the plug.

I agree, it also keeps you from getting underneath the car, a place I
don't like to be no matter how well supported the car is. I have spent a
lot of hours under there and it just gets less comfortable as time rolls on.
Oh, the joy of a real lift! Every home garage should come standard with
one. ;-)

I was just pointing out that when I started reading about miatas, there
seemed to be a near-fanatical response to any oil change question that
said your miata would blow up, vaporize, go into a time warp or whatever
if a new crush ring was not used.
After talking to a trusted friend who assured me that this was pure BS
and that he had used the same drain plug ring through at least 20 oil
changes, I gave it a try.
Like it was pointed out by another poster, there is no real reason not
to use a new one, many vendors tape one onto the filter box, but there
really isn't a reason to use it either that I can see.
I have about 30 of them in my toolbox if anyone thinks that I am wrong
and needs one for free. I think that I have a lifetime supply. :-)

Pat

WARNING, ON TOPIC POST!
 

> Like it was pointed out by another poster, there is no real reason not
> to use a new one, many vendors tape one onto the filter box, but there
> really isn't a reason to use it either that I can see.
> I have about 30 of them in my toolbox if anyone thinks that I am wrong
> and needs one for free. I think that I have a lifetime supply. :-)
>
> Pat

I agree. The washer is made out of aluminum. It can be re-used until
it is either damaged some how (surface is not flat) or is squeezed so
thin it no longer compresses, which means you're tightening it too
much. A new washer is not necessarily better than the old one, if it
is the wrong size or has a damaged surface. You can clean up the
surface with some fine wet sandpaper if you happen to damage it some
how or buy a new one with a scratch across the surface...