slalom44

Here's what I did when I did this on a Civic years ago:

Partially unscrew the drain plug - not all the way. Get some Teflon tape from a Hardware store (used to seal threaded plumbing and gas line joints) and wrap it around the unscrewed section. It doesn't have to be neat or flat, just as long as it's in there. Put about 8 wraps around this area, cut it off, and tighten the drain plug.

The teflon tape will seal like a gasket and prevent leaking.

Another option that I've never tried but should work: Instead of wrapping teflon tape, you should be able to get a garden hose washer to fit in there. You'd have to stretch it around the head of the drain bolt when it's loosened, then tighten it after it's inside. You have to make sure it doesn't bulge out on one side when you're tightening it. FYI - the ID of the crush washer is exactly the same as the ID on the garden hose washers I have.

HARDtoTOP

It's just oil. Pull the plug and replace the washer, if you lose 3 qts, put 3 qts back.

deathsled

for the record I have never replaced the crush washer when doing an oil change. Also, my stealth and 3000gt don't even have them (dont know if this is a material/design difference) and they never leaked (for what I could tell).

JS2k.com

lol thanks guys
I forgot I could reuse the oil that drained.

ShocK

Its aluminum.

As far as tightening I hand tighten snug. If you try to tighten it as much as it will go you'll strip the threads, constant overtightening stretches threads and eventually you'll have to re-tap them. I'm sure theres a torque spec maybe 7-12 ft lbs?? dont quote me on that.

tinkfist

There is a torque spec for just about every bolt on the car. This one is 29 ft-lbs. I would not worry much about the crush washer, but the teflon tape idea sounds like a good one if you are going to do anything

jeggy

i forgot the crush washer on my car for the past 2 consecutive oil changes. no leaks. i just keep and eye on it. quick peek under the car for any puddles.

GinoGT

I never understood this crush washer on the drain bolt business. Plenty of cars don't use them and don't leak. Does it have something to do with the oilpan being aluminum?

stopmenot2002

Scroll down for the washer picture. just loose it abit, get wash ready, then slide out bolt while slide your finger right after bolt is off, the hole it there so you can put washer on and do the opposite.

JS2k.com

Thanks,
I removed the bolt then quickly added the washer without losing too much oil. still a mess tho.
I s2ki.