I just changed my oil yesterday and i have a little leak coming from the drain plug. I have reused my crush washer about 6 times. Could this be the problem? I tried to tighten the plug again and it is still leaking slowly. Did I tighten to hard? Can you strip the thread by tightening by hand when using a crush washer?

I searched did not get a clear answer.

thanks in advance
Jason

 

It could be the answer. 6 times, eh? I'd just change it, they're like 23 cents MAX. Make sure you don't tighten the bolt too much, you could strip/break something.

 

Yes, you should always use a new one. Just buy a bunch and keep it at home.

 

could i have put to much torque using a wrench? I tightened by hand and then with the wrench. I did not use a torque wrench
Can you over tighten the plug with a wrench and cause damage when using a crush washer? I would think not. It is not stripped, I think, if it was would it be hard to get off? or rounded off.

thanks in advance
Jason

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slowls &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yes, you should always use a new one. Just buy a bunch and keep it at home. </TD></TR></TABLE>

 

does the crush washer help you to not over torque the drain plug? Can you over tighten the drain plug by hand (wrench) causing the plug to leak? Should i just replace the plug, washer or both? How could I tell if I messed up the pan, threads, etc.....?
Thanks for the replies
Jason

 

yes you can still strip out the threads even if you are using a crush washer. It the bolt spins freely to the right and never gets tight then it is totally stripped. I'd just get a new washer first and try that.

 

It's probably just the crush washer, replace it and see if you still have a leak. If you messed up the threads on the actual plug, you will be turning and turning and it won't get any tighter.

Step 1: Install new crush washer (you can usually reuse this once (just flip it over and 'crush' the other side)) - don't use it 6 times. While you are down there, make sure the oil pan isn't dented around the plug. If it is dented, the threads may not match up anymore - so it might leak.

Step 2: If leak persists after you put on a new crush washer and tighten it to spec (not overtightened) then you may want to try a new plug and another new crush washer.

Make sure you wipe up the area with the leak, so it's easy to see where it's coming from.

You are correct, the crush washer is designed to keep you from overtightening the plug, but if used 6 times, it won't really do that anymore.

Good luck!

 

thanks....... i appreciate the fast responses and knowledge, i am sure since the leak is one drop that runs down the oil pan per six hours that it is probably just the washer

Jason

 

get a torque wrench while you're at it. 33 lb-ft is what you want to tighten the oil drain plug to.

 

56 cents at my dealer
stupid
captial honda

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by frogsr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">get a torque wrench while you're at it. 33 lb-ft is what you want to tighten the oil drain plug to.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Are you serious?!?! That seems a bit high.

**edit** I just checked the service manual...you are correct. I really didn't think it was that much.

 

.49 + tax
oak acura.

 

i agree with mostly everyone else ... get a new washer.
they are realli cheap or if you ask nicely they might be free.

 

got dang you guys are getting ripped off. Carland Acura has them for 20 cents each.

Sometimes a Honda dealer will give you a handfull of them free, and they should always give you one if you buy an oil filter from them.

I've never used a torque wrench on the drain plug, I just snug it down w/ the wrench.

 

just get a honda washer...it's cheaper than an acura ones.

 

If it leaks change the crush washer, otherwise leave it