So I thought I had everything for an oil change an just realized that I need the crush washer for the drain plug. Is this a "generic" item I can pick up at an auto parts store or do I need to go to the dealer for it? If it can be gotten from a parts store, what size and is there any other rating (crush-ability ?)

 

I've only done one oil change since the dealer service ran out.....and it's been a couple of months ago......but if I recall correctly, there is a rubber washer on the drain plug....not a crush washer. Unless it starts leaking, you shouldn't need to replace it for a while.

Be sure to torque the drain plug to spec....can't recall what it is at the moment, but search and you will find it somewhere around here.

Good luck.

 

Fastlane, for what it is worth, the Bentley manual says to use a new metal sealing washer (I picked up the term crush washer from other posts on oil changes.) Drain plug torque is 25Nm (18 ft-lb)

 

FL you R correct, the factory bung uses a plastic washer built onto the plug so no crush washer.
(a new one, and a battle scared one that gave a good fight b4 it came out)


That plastic washer is also the likely source of the many "I can NOT get the bung out" problems!

WRT what Bentley says: Haynes correctly describes the sealing ring as integral to the plug an says therefore the pulg must not be reused, a new one is required. I've not seen dealers do this....

I recommend replacing the factory plug with a Fumoto valve once you turn to DIY oil changes and you'll never need worry about that problem again. http://www.fumotousa.com/main.htm

The MINI GEN1 plug is a VERY common size - I determined this by noticing the size Fumoto cited for the MINI is what fits a TON of other vehicles. So swapping out to a plug that DOES use a crush washer would not be difficult.

So far as 'crush washer ratings' ?? Never seen such a thing. Some vehicles use a copper seal, some other metals and yet others fiber. Typical torq' for an oil plug is around 20 ft lb and that's equiv' to tight but less than one full ugh in technical terms; so I've not found material to matter ... the Fumoto comes with a fiber seal...when the plug on my 79 seaped, I added a fiber one there and all has been fine. When I've had to find one in a pinch I simply took the plug in question to the parts store and dug around 'til I found one that fit - didn't care about material - haven't had a problem. My local ACE hardware actually has a set of bins in the 'nuts and bolts and washers' section labeled for this application.