and i was sent these ...

i dont think i was sent the correct part

 

What are those, tire valve caps? They look kind of big for that...

 

they are solid steel or whatever theyre made of ... not valve stem caps.

anybody have a clue?

 

are they hollow, or solid?

Either way, not a clue, but it might help others...

 

UPS just dropped off oil filters and drain plug washers. The washers are bright copper about the size of a penny. They squash down when you tighten the drain plug.
Part number from Courtesy Nissan
#11026-VQ35DE 350Z Oil Pan Drain Plug Washer (#12) $9.48

 

i know

that is exactly what i ordered. but got these strange things.

 

Why are you guys getting drain plug washers? You expect them not to last or something?

I don't think I've ever had to do anything with a drainplug on any of my cars short of 100,000 miles.

 

call them up and have them resend them. I had a problem with not receiving the right touch up paing, called up the number on the receipt, and they sent one out with no charge.

 

MannishBoy: I think that the 'squash' washers are supposed to be replaced every time. I'm like you I never replaced them before and I don't think any every leaked. Decided on a short burst of compulsivity with the new car. Somewhere it says to replace the washer...the dealers do and charge for it.

<I found the page in the owner's manual 8-11. This is great having the manual on disc.>

 

You don't have to change the crush washers every time you change oil. You can use them twice by flipping them over. I have always done this with my hondas and haven't had any problems. Just make sure you do not overtighten the drain bolt and overly deform the washers.

 

that's a great idea. I'll try it. I never had leaks before when I didn't change the washer. Overtightening and reusing probably will result in leaks eventually. Thanks,

 

Thanks. I had no idea

Is this an import thing, or a Nissan thing, or what? None of my GM/Jeep/etc vehicles have to worry about this.

 

Was there a copper squash washer on the drain plug bolt? (I use the word squash but I don't really know what they're called) I never changed them on previous cars and it worked fine. The auto manuals mention changing the copper washers.

I think that the whole purpose in changing them is to make certain the drain plug doesn't leak.

If a washer is reused and doesn't leak....no need to change...they are pretty inexpensive tho.

 

did the second oil change myself a couple of weeks ago (the first was at the dealership). i bought oil filters from the dealership almost three months ago. the filters came with the copper squash nuts. they're taped to the bottom of the package (box). i didn't even notice them before.

 

The Nissan washers completely crush when used, no way to avoid it. I replaced mine for my one and only change so far but if you don't scratch it on the seal face I'm sure it could be reused many times. This is not the standard flat washer I'm used to seeing. I didn't see any washers in with my Nissan filters, I'll look again but I think maybe your parts guy tossed them in himself?