Drain plug washer...

meld_b · 2004-09-04T13:19:31+00:00

So does everyone replace this washer every single oil change? Anyone have any other options? This is on a 02 Outback. Is the Subaru filter really any better? It seems to be about double what I want to pay, taking doing my oil change from a money saving task to a loosing adventure.Man those fasteners that hold in the COVER over the oil filter are pretty chincy... why they put phillips holes in them is beyond me those aren't threads are they. After the first time it's not so bad.-meld

Sep 04, 2004 26 Replies

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Cam Penner 21 years ago

If only there was a similar feature on filters. The only time I get any drips of oil on me are when I pull the bloody filter off. Yeah, I've tried punching a hole in it with a screwdriver first, but then there's oil on the outside of the filter when I go to twist it off.

I love the fumoto though. Only disappointment is that you don't get the benefit until the SECOND change after you buy it. It was a bit of a letdown to shell out the bucks for a fancy drain valve, and then STILL have to drain the oil the old way one last time. From then on - never regretted it.

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Chris Phillipo 21 years ago

Any idea where to get one of these online?

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Edward Hayes 21 years ago

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Henry Paul 21 years ago

Annealing copper will soften it after it has become work hardened.

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Henry Paul 21 years ago

My dad was a refrigeration mechanic for about 20 years. He taught me about annealing copper to soften after it has become work hardened.

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meld_b 21 years ago

OK... so somewhere along the line I became cheap. After re-using a copper washer on a SAAB with a cast oil pan for years, I have a bit of trouble with the idea of needing to change the washer EVERY time. But the economics and the dealership being what they are (open 'til midnight for one thing) I think I'm going to end up there more often than not.

I have to say that the small "divot" in the copper washer, showing compressed vs. new seems way smaller than difference between new and old crush washer, so reusing a copper washer is probably less risky than reusing the crush washer.

Does the extra length of the valve cause any issues? Has anyone ever had an issue with one?

-meld

Rick Courtright wrote:

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Peter Johnston 21 years ago

Your local city dump typically has a recycling container for both the oil and filters. Here, the price of admission is a $5 dollar minimum, so save it up and take a bunch of trash with you at the sdame time.

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