The case of the missing oil drain plug washer

Don’t tell anyone, but, I’m still using the original crush washer. Almost 100,000 miles.

Edit; 100,000 miles now.

 

I prefer a fumoto valve so I never have to worry about that again. Install the supplied washer, and you’re good. Makes oil changes so easy and it’s only about $30

 

Never replaced a crush washer (unless missing or broken on first change)

Never used tape

Never used a torque wrench

Never had a drain plug leak

Have no clue how many dozens of oil changes I've done over dozens of vehicles and decades of time.

 

If I found out my washer was missing I’d drive the truck straight to the junkyard!!

 

I'm very glad I started this thread because some have pointed out that they don't believe there's a flange on the pan. I may have double washered it. I don't understand why folks question why a thread was started if it's useful to others.

 

For all those who state that there's no flange on the pan, now you have me wondering if the crush washer just stuck to the pan. I really don't think so though, and I also think there must be a flange, because the bottom of the oil pan is not flat. The photo someone posted looks like the pan but without the threaded drain hole. But you're making me question myself now. I'm going to call the dealership and see if anyone has any worthwhile opinions, maybe I can also find a youtube video that would show it well enough. Checking will be expensive.

 

Could just drain the new oil out into a clean container then put it back in, lol

I know for a fact my oil pan isn't flanged but i have a 1st gen, so it might be different for you guys, I'm not sure

 

I never used to torque the oil drain plugs on any of my vehicles, and never had a problem. I found this spec for my Tacoma about 5 years ago, and I have been torquing the oil drain plug to 28 lb-ft ever since. I figured there is no reason not to... but you give me a reason just now.

Is this real? I mean, 100% for sure? I don't recall anyone mentioning this before. If it is real, does this follow the same 15-20% torque reduction, as when using anti-seize on spark plug threads?

 

Great point on recycling the oil through.

From the few decent pictures I can find online, it looks like there is indeed a flange. I remember looking at it closely with a flashlight and it was shiny, flat metal. I don't think the crush washer would look even remotely like that. I think I'll just check the oil level more often than usual and check for leaks from time to time.

 

yeah honestly it if isn't leaking then you're probably good, just keep an eye on it. It's not as potentially dangerous as ending up with a double seal on your oil filter if the old one sticks...that can be catastrophic quick (always check to make sure that hasn't stuck on, not as likely to happen but it can). You'd know pretty quickly though when oil starts to spew everywhere lol. Thats why they say you should always run the engine in park for 5-10 minutes after an oil change to make sure all is well.

 

I replaced my washer at 190k mIles or so. Box of filters came with them. Not changing it again until it leaks. Pain to get that damn thing off the plug .

 

My friend...As maaaaaany folks have been saying that "flange" was a stuck crush washer. I'd bet money on it. If you aren't leaking I guess it's not the end of the world but my first oil change on this truck I had that same "huh where's the washer" moment and then said oh shit it's seized on the oil pan, had to pry it off with a flat head. I use a Fumoto now, may change the washer out after my 3rd/4th oil change with it just for shits and giggles but it's the same reason I always check to make sure I didn't lose the O-Ring off my filters, cuz sometimes that shit sticks.

Again...if you aren't leaking oil I don't see this being the end of the world, just running the risk of it happening over time

 

If your oil drain plug is leaking enough to damage your engine due to lack of oil, you will notice a spot under your truck, before it shows up in the dipstick. Unless.... you change your oil then take off on a cross country trip. You should notice just a few drops on the ground. There are almost 15,000 drops in a quart.

Pour a 1/2 quart of oil (7,500 drops) on the ground and see how far it spreads.....

 

yup, most of the time i have to give the stuck washer a whack to remove it. I think it is a flat surface, so that flange was prob the washer.

Oh, and teflon tap on straight threads will only slow a leak, not stop one

 

I remember a commercial one time where someone got peanut butter on another persons chocolate. That turned out ok, though past results do not ensure future outcomes. ....think i saw that on a different commercial.....

 

You know things are slow in TW when there's two pages on a missing drain plug washer...

 

Watched a few videos and what I thought was the flange has to have been the washer. There's no flange. Shit. I'm too OCD to just leave it as is And I'm so OCD I'd probably put in a new 5 quarts after fixing the washer situation. Even worse.

 

Well if you want the factory plug washers here's where I got mine with the Toyota part#

Genuine Toyota - Oil Drain Plug Gaskets (QTY10) - 90430-12031

$15 Genuine Toyota - Oil Drain Plug Gaskets (QTY10)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OW6MD6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nte.BbE7ZQQC4

 

Thanks -- I bought a handful at the dealership but I'd much rather buy them online down the road.

 

Yeah this is happening at my next oil change.