Oil Drain plug

[Linda]

Which type of oil drain plug is preferred? There are copper washers, also washers with a rubber inner ring, steel, fiber, all available at local auto parts stores.
What works best?

Linda

[Mackn367]

I use the copper crush washers from Nissan. I've never had an issue. I actually have a bunch of extras (they accidentally sent too much). Want me to mail you a couple?

[Linda]

Thx for the tip on Nissan availability, Nick. I was driving by and stopped in to the dealer and they gave me 2 for free!
Save those extras you have or pass 1 to a newbie, appreciate the offer

Linda

[Mackn367]

Thx for the tip on Nissan availability, Nick. I was driving by and stopped in to the dealer and they gave me 2 for free!
Save those extras you have or pass 1 to a newbie, appreciate the offer

Linda

Nice! Haha. That dealership better watch out. We will all be driving over there for some nuts, bolts, and washers

[Linda]

I measured these and one side is ID.441 and the other side is ID .547 “..... Is that what you show Nick?
Just trying to get a measurement for others to know. The guy just pulled these out of the drawer did not even look it up.
Which side goes towards the pan?
Thx

CBE188C1-024D-46CB-AD38-6C87133686CC.jpeg

Linda
Unfortunately, did not work

[Solex68]

I measured these and one side is ID.441 and the other side is ID .547 “..... Is that what you show Nick?
Just trying to get a measurement for others to know. The guy just pulled these out of the drawer did not even look it up.
Which side goes towards the pan?
Thx

CBE188C1-024D-46CB-AD38-6C87133686CC.jpeg


Linda

Look closer and it should say "This side up" .........Just kidding.

[Linda]

Ha ha, the writing is in Japanese...just kidding
Linda

[v8_ranch]

Hey Nick, I'm a newbie, haha. Want to trade some copper washers for some fuel pump fiber washers (for the valves). I had to order 12 to get them delivered form Menards.

[Mackn367]

I measured these and one side is ID.441 and the other side is ID .547 “..... Is that what you show Nick?
Just trying to get a measurement for others to know. The guy just pulled these out of the drawer did not even look it up.
Which side goes towards the pan?
Thx

CBE188C1-024D-46CB-AD38-6C87133686CC.jpeg


Linda

Yup those are the same ones I use. I like to have the flatter/larger side facing toward the nut. I also make sure to spin the washer all the way down to the nut before installing on the pan. I've never had a leak.

[Mackn367]

Hey Nick, I'm a newbie, haha. Want to trade some copper washers for some fuel pump fiber washers (for the valves). I had to order 12 to get them delivered form Menards.

Happy to help! Just PM me your address and I'll send you a few. No need to pay or do a trade.

[Mackn367]

Here is the part # for the plug and washer when ordering from Nissan...

Oil Drain Plug # 11128-U8000 --- should be around $9
Oil Drain Plug Gasket (washer) # 11026-61000 --- should be around $1.50

[Linda]

Thx Nick. Also available from RockAuto but currently out of stock:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/partsearch/ ... 1026-61000
Linda

[todd lorber]

If I might give a quick primer on something I learned about copper crush washers: I got my rebuilt brake master cylinder back from -a vendor- and after installing on the car I found that copper washers leaked, (this of course required multiple installations and removals and brake fluid to discover). The vendor kept the original washers instead of putting on new ones. After some research I found that if you heat the washers red hot-with a micro torch or whatever- and then quench them in water the metal is retempered and pliability will be restored. I then made sure that they were flat by lightly filing them, though I don't know if that step was necessary.

I then came to find out from a Porsche mechanic across the driveway from me that he always heats the washers up-even when new- because he's had too many experiences of putting them in and having them leak. So I'm three for three in doing this process and it is really simple and quick to do.

[Mackn367]

If I might give a quick primer on something I learned about copper crush washers: I got my rebuilt brake master cylinder back from -a vendor- and after installing on the car I found that copper washers leaked, (this of course required multiple installations and removals and brake fluid to discover). The vendor kept the original washers instead of putting on new ones. After some research I found that if you heat the washers red hot-with a micro torch or whatever- and then quench them in water the metal is retempered and pliability will be restored. I then made sure that they were flat by lightly filing them, though I don't know if that step was necessary.

I then came to find out from a Porsche mechanic across the driveway from me that he always heats the washers up-even when new- because he's had too many experiences of putting them in and having them leak. So I'm three for three in doing this process and it is really simple and quick to do.

Is this like a general tip for all copper crush washers? I haven’t had an oil leak issue and I use them every time. I also use a new oil pan drain plug.

[Linda]

If you look closely at the Nissan pic and note the ID measurements, this is not just a plain copper washer. The RockAuto pic shows more detail also. I am thinking that one side should face the pan but am not sure which. Might work both ways but looking for optimal, correct install.

Linda