Oil drain plug crush washer

[roundl]

I need to change the oil in my '71 Kadett and forgot if there was a washed between the oil pan drain plug and the pan. If so, what size is it?

[dallasmanta]

I have always used a cardboard washer made from the box the filter came in. The Easiest way is to place the cardboard on the top of the drain plug and tap along the dia of the plug thus causing the cardboard to form the exact size hole for the drain plug. Then I thread it on the drain plug and trim the outside edges with a pair of scissors. Now you have a drain plug washer that will seal out any leaks. Ron

[OpelJim]

Originally Posted by roundl I need to change the oil in my '71 Kadett and forgot if there was a washed between the oil pan drain plug and the pan. If so, what size is it?

If you want a crush washer I have them new for 3.50 plus postage of about a buck

[opelgtboy70]

Can someone take a pic of the oil drain plug on a gt engine. Someone used a homemade aluminum washer and it leaks. Im wondering what the right washer looks like. Or a pic of the correct washer.


Karl

[Tru-Craft]

I have been using a Plastic (Nylon) washer from an auto parts store.
They have radial grooves molded in to help seal.
Just take your drain plug in and match the diameter under the head of the plug.
Don't over tighten, 35+ year old aluminum threads!
Works great.
Lyle

[heimue]

The original washer is just a flat round washer made out of copper. You can buy one in any hardware store.

Dieter

[opelgtboy70]

Ive decided just to go with the nylon washer and replace it each year.
Thanks

karl

[oldopelguy]

I replace the drain plugs on all my cars with Fumoto drain valves. Never had a problem with one and I love 15 minute oil changes with no tools required. Also, since you only have to screw it in once it doesn't wear out aluminum threads in the pan and you can use a dab of silicone on it to make sure it seals perfectly.

[heimue]

Originally Posted by oldopelguy I replace the drain plugs on all my cars with Fumoto drain valves.

Since they don't list Opels on their site, what type is needed and where do you buy them?

Dieter

[oldopelguy]

I usually order directly from Fumoto, they have as good a price as anyone and are pretty quick on the shipping. I can never remember what the Opel plug thread pitch is, I have to check it every time and just order by that:
QuickOilDrainValve.com - the best way to change oil

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by oldopelguy I replace the drain plugs on all my cars with Fumoto drain valves.

Don't know if I would recommend it on the steel oil pan Opels. I've seen similar drain type devices before but I would hesitate to use them on any pan unless the drain hole was located on the side of the sump. You would probably never hit it but... I'll bet all of OldOpelGuy's pans are AL with the drain on the side.

Harold

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by oldopelguy I can never remember what the Opel plug thread pitch is, ...[/url]

Stephen, it should be easy to remember, IIRC it's the same as a spark plug, 14x1.5. Found a "plug" being used for a plug by some resourceful person.

Harold

[manta2009]

thats right. we use a copper ring to avoid leaking. thats usual here. they get replaced at every oil change and cost just some cents. opel still uses this rings on their cars today. i am wondering that this is not common in the us.

[jlthunder]

Originally Posted by manta2009 opel still uses this rings on their cars today. i am wondering that this is not common in the us.

Honda has been using crush washers since 1990 and Saab uses them too.

[oldopelguy]

Originally Posted by hrcollinsjr Don't know if I would recommend it on the steel oil pan Opels. I've seen similar drain type devices before but I would hesitate to use them on any pan unless the drain hole was located on the side of the sump. You would probably never hit it but... I'll bet all of OldOpelGuy's pans are AL with the drain on the side. Harold

Someone always brings this up when I comment about the drain valves but I really do put them on everything, even my motorcycle, and I don't worry aout them. The valve without the nipple is 5/8" tall, so only about twice as tall as the plug that's in the car now. It would have to be a pretty precise hit to nail that, and on it's way back whatever you hit would probably rip the exhaust off the car as well. Since I'm not in the habit of running over stuff, I don't worry about it.

On a steel pan, if I was planning on off-roading or something, I would weld on a half-circle (or full circle, come to think of it) of steel to protect the valve before I would go without it.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by oldopelguy On a steel pan, if I was planning on off-roading or something, I would weld on a half-circle (or full circle, come to think of it) of steel to protect the valve before I would go without it.

If I had known I was going off-roading I would have either stayed home or slowed down. You've always heard of the person that can tear up a steel ball bearing with a rubber mallet. That's been me on a rare occasion or two.

Harold

[wrench459]

oil plug.jpg
From left to right 12mm 14mm and 16mm id.
I believe the outside dia. is 13mm. for the stock drain plug.
I like the rubber over alum. washer over the other ones.

[heimue]

Original copper washers are available in every auto parts store, where the oil cans sit. I bought a set of 3 today, size M14, for US$ 1.98 at my local Advanced Auto Parts.

Dieter