I was scared to use them so I put the original back on. They looked like they might cause a leak. Any problems from you guys that have used them.

 

I was wondering the same thing. The ones I ordered from Courtesy did not look the same as the one found on the drain plug. So I ended up not using it. Ive changed my oil twice now and have used the same washer. Ill probably change it the next oil change though

 

Think I'm going to the hardware store and getting me some regular washers from there.

I guess it's design to squash down and mold itself between the plug and oil reservoir.

 

Are you talking about the crush washers?

Just screw them on with the threading 'cut' side facing the head of the bolt. They basically crush to seal the plug.

 

I use them every time. Funny thing is, one nissan dealer charges extra for them, the other includes them with the filter.

 

I've done two oil changes, and not changed my washer from the one that came on the car. Still no leaks. I think I'll just keep using it until the old one goes. I've never had a car that you had to worry about these before.

 

I think it's all a scam to make you spend an extra buck during each oil change

I think I'll stick with the original washer too. I can't see a flat washer wearing down that easily.

 

well, the dealer close (performance nissan) to me charges about 10% over list, and .10 for the washer. The Z clubs sponsor dealer (sutherlin nissan, mall of geogia) gives me 20% off and throws the washer in for nuttin!

[i only went to the other dealer cause it was close and late afternoon, and didn't know they marked up 350z parts in addition to the cars!)

 

The crush washers from Courtesy are the same that came on your car! They just are not crushed yet. I don't think it is necessary to replace them every time. That is just typical CYA car mamufacture SOP. Just take a look at it and make sure it is intact and not scratched across the seal face.

 

The washers ae the same ones BMW uses and packages with their filter replacement kits. They are made to seal around the bolt and are not reuseable unless you do some pounding and sanding to get them flat again (not recommended).
Cheap insurance against a slow oil leak ( see British sports cars thread).

 

Why would you pound and sand it? It is still on the bolt in the exact same position it sealed before, it should seal again unless it is damaged. I had to use a knife to cut/pry the old one off the bolt. I think that is more likely to cause damage and a leak than just reusing it a few times. $0.02

 

these crush washers have been used for years. They are soft copper and are designed to seal around the bolt. On a new car the old one can certainly be reused. If you notice a leak around the bolt replace with a new one. However they are really cheap and its easy to replace each time. They crush down to fill the tiny crevices when the bolt is tightened. (a new car probably doesn't have any tiny crevices)

15-20 years ago: the washers were included with a new filter and one just replaced the old washer anyway.