i've just did an oil change about 2 weeks ago and replaced the oil drain plug as well. i got the honda oil filter and taped on top of it is a washer. I am assuming its a oil drain plug washer. I didnt put this on as i forgot to. I basically just screw the oil plug in without the washer. now how important is the washer? can i put one on the next oil change at 5000 miles?

 

its not of great importance, its just extra parts

 

This is commonly referred to as a 'crush washer' and its job is to ensure a perfect, fluid-proof seal between two imperfect surfaces, i.e. the oil pan and the drain bolt facing. If you are lucky the new plug already had a crush washer on it, this can be verified visually. The old crush washer may have stuck to the oil pan, which they sometimes do, and it is a good practice to check this when reinstalling the plug. You may even get lucky and the new plug will form to the imperfections of the oil pan.

At very least look occasionally for dribbles and watch your oil level closely. If you have to put on the new crush washer because the dribble is too great for you to live with, you can have a helper put their finger in the hole just after you remove the drain plug, put on the crush washer, and re-insert. At most you may lose one quarter to one half quart of your fresh oil. It will be messy, but manageable.

Good luck,

Ed Fisher

 

Look under the car to see if any oil is leaking at the plug. The washers can be reused a few times so if you left the old washer on and it's not leaking, don't worry about it. Putting the plug in with no washer is asking for trouble.