Does anyone know the theory on using crush washers? Cars used to not have them. I've always changed oil myself and used the same one. I haven't had any leaks so far. Wonder if the oil change shops actually use a new one each time?

 

*shrug* doesn't really make a big difference if it's not damaged in any way (the crush on the o ring is very small). but if you want to do it when you change your oil, go right ahead, they're dime-a-dozen.

 

If the crush washer is copper, you can anneal the copper to make it re-usable. You just heat it up with a torch until it's red hot, then let it cool. This expands the copper back to its un-crushed state for a good seal.

I think, though, the RX-8 uses an aluminum crush washer.

Really, I've re-used crush washers MANY times with no problems. YMMV, of course. But, you can keep your eye on it - a leaky crush washer seal will be a VERY slow seeping leak - slow enough that you'd probably never see a spot on the driveway or a change in the oil level.

Or, you could get a Fumoto drain valve and never have to deal with crush washers again .

Dale

 

The "crush" gives in befor you damage, by overtighttening plug, oil pan wall.

 

the coolest crush washers were the ones VW used to supply for the Beetle. A copper shell with some kind of fibrous material inside (cork?). Really had a lot of "squish". Like everyone else I've changed oil without a new washer without problems. But they are so inexpensive. Just order a bunch of filters and washers at the same time and you're set. Or, Fumoto Valve has already been mentioned. I'm still waiting to experience that "benefit". I'm just coming up on 3000 mi, and did a change at 1000 with a Fumoto. Heh, I have 4 crush washers that I got with my filters but not worth a stamp to mail to anyone :D

 

I'll send you a SASE :D.

rx8cited

 

I'm kinda late on the crush washer discussion but I thought this would be important enough to share: In the course of one of my early oil changes, I reused the crush washer. Although I thought I got the drain plug tight enough, I saw a little drop of oil at the drain plug about 30 miles after the oil change. (yes, as...uhh, fastidious as I am, I check up on these things)

I found the plug to be only a little more than finger-tight. I think what happened was the drain plug shoulder tightened down onto the washer surface right on top of the ridge formed on the washer from the previous oil change, and after the vibration/thermal expansion and contraction, ect., the washer slipped so the previous "crush" area centered itself on the drain plug shoulder.

My suggestion is to replace the crush washer during every oil change, (except of course if you are Fumoto equipped) or if you reuse, get the plug tight enough to avoid loosening and leaking. And "tight enough" can have its limits.