So I did my first oil change today after 5 years of owning the car...

BUT when i'm done and set the car back down, I found out I left out the drain plug o ring... Drove around for some time and went home, nothing's leaking or what not... Should I be worried about not putting it back for now? To my understanding the o ring just helps for better sealing, right?

I mean there's really no way to put the thing back without well doing another oil change right? hmmmm

 

Check it again after a tank of gas .... if it still isn't leaking - it isn't going to .

It's doable ... but messy .

 

if I were u, I will just get a clean milk jug (or distilled water jug) , catch all the oil and put the o ring back on

even if I have to change the oil again, couple qts of oil is still cheaper than an engine, just knock urself in the head and remember it next time

 

if its not leaking, its fine.

the washer is 9956-21-400 or 9956-41-400. one number is aluminum and one is copper, the copper one is $$$

 

If it isn't leaking it should be OK....buy a new one for next time. ( Think they are about $1 )

Look under the car every once in a while and check it isn't leaking

 

Drain the oil and put a fresh one.
At least u did an oil flush once in a while.
Washer were used for purpose right?
And put a new one. Don't re use it.

Or if u dont mind checking under the car like dannobre posted,
Then leave it.

 

Yea, I'm checking the car everytime i leave it so. I don't drive it very often, so I guess I'll wait for 3 months then.

 

Haven't had one for 10k miles, no leaks. I keep meaning to get a few and use them but I forget about it until its too late. They are a good idea to help prevent stripping the pan/bolt but it is not needed to prevent a leak.

 

Just use a crush washer from an old spark plug. Same size.

 

Fumoto Valve FTW.

 

I need one of those. Have they ever failed though?

 

No… had one installed 2 years ago and it's still working like new! I'll just plug a tube on it and drain the oil in a pan 3 feet from the car…then close it an refill after changing the oil filter no need for a jack…