Oil Drain Plug Gasket

Dumb question maybe, but the last couple times I have changed my oil I have been unable to remove the drain plug gasket from the bottom of the pan. It is almost like it is fused to the metal. I have tried going at it with a plastic scraper and it won't budge... I am worried if I try anything more aggressive I might damage the pan.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue. Should I be worried about reusing the same gasket over and over?

 

Take a putty knife or a gasket scraper. Get under it and it should almost pop off. Happens all the time.
Shouldn't reuse a gasket over and over.

 

Be careful! What looks like a gasket might just be a flat part of the pan. It should come off without too much effort. I always replace the gasket when I do my oil changes and haven't had a problem yet.

 

Thanks guys, I'm 99% sure it's a gasket (looks just like the replacements I have). Next time I will try whacking the scraper with a mallet I guess.

 

Really shouldn't be that hard. The pan is flat and smooth around the drain hole.

 

I ran into that problem last time I changed oil on my goldwing. Thought the gasket was stuck to the pan, and after I tried to get it loose I realized it was stuck on the drain plug LOL

 

silly question i know but is that metal gasket aluminum or copper with some kinda plating on it?

 

No it's some sort of hard rubber/plastic.

 

I bent my oil pan in cause I was trying so damn hard to get the plug out. Needless to say I had to drive to a local shop so they could use an impact gun to loosen it. So don't worry you are not the only one lol

 

I experience this every time. I just use a small tipped flat screwdriver and gently pry it off. No need to hammer it here. Replace it every time.

 

yea i normally use a pocket screwdriver and hit the handle with the palm of my hand

 

The OEM washers do it every time for me.

 

I'm on my original washer. 50k miles and probably re-used 15 times. Not one drop of oil leaked.

Usually the washer sticks to my plug and I just separate them, clean all surfaces very well (washer, oil pan, drain plug) and reassemble and snug with a 3/8 drive ratchet.

 

X2

While replacing the crush washer each time is recommended, it's unnecessary.

 

i replace each time, due to it being a crush washer. i bought a bunch last time at the dealer, like .15 ea

 

if you get the 10 quantity oil filter deal from the dealer, the gaskets(10) are included.

 

Tonight I changed the oil on my new Taco with less than 800 miles. The crush washer (gasket) was fused to the oil pan. I carefully pryed and chipped it off using the tip of my pocket knife. I don't know what that dark blue outer material is on the gasket, but it really shouldn't bake to the oil pan like that. The wife's Outback and my son's Fit use aluminum ones that never do that.

 

I have the Fumoto drain valve on for a while now so I'm not concern about removing gasket or over torquing drain plug these days at every oil change.

 

That's my next purchase. Just ordered wet okoles and will get Fumoto next month. Which valve did you buy?

 

I got the

$32 F-103 Engine Oil Drain Valve

F-103. Be very careful and go easy when tightening this darn thing. I bought this thing for my car and due to its low clearance, I was trying position this thing so tall grasses or other road debris don't hit the handle and shift it to the drain position. This thing got fuccked so easily. Money wasted.