i just changed my oil and im not sure if i got the crush washer back on. Didnt even know what is was till i read the DIY. but if not should i rush out and get one and put it on or what?

 

Yes

 

What?

 

I'd crawl back under and see. Better to have the old one on than none at all. Go check

 

Well the first thing to do is see if it's leaking or dripping. If yes then definately go get a washer and put it on there. If it's not leaking then you possibly either have the old one on there and it's OK, or there's none on there and you're lucky for now.

 

Get a new crush washer & put it in --- soon.

 

I've ended up re-using oil-drain crush washers from time to time, though I usually try to remember to get new ones. Even though you're supposed to use a new one, I've never had leaks result from a 2nd use, though I wouldn't recommend it as a regular practice. I guess there was enough "crush" left for a 2nd use. If you re-used the old one I wouldn't worry too much. Check once in a while for drips, which should do anyway. But if you're not sure if you used a washer AT ALL, I'd be worried. If you can't verify the presence of the washer visually I would recommend another oil change and new washer. I guess one could make the case for re-using the oil in that circumstance but there's too much chance for contamination for my taste.

Check for posts about something called a "Fumoto valve" - the crush washer becomes a non-issue.

 

Um.... mine is just a soft aluminum washer. I have reused mine for the second oil change with no leaks. If there is any hint of an indention on the oil pan side, I rub it across some sandpaper and get the indention out. It should last me at least 10 oil changes.

 

On my 8, the original crush washer was painted black on the edge. If your drain bolt has a round shoulder, then that is the crush washer stuck on the bolt!