missing drain plug gasket

ACORNBLUES · 09-13-2007, 03:52 AM

hey guys, did my 1st oil change. I'm not sure if it came w/ a crush washer/gasket. At 1st I thought it fell into the drain pan... but after pouring out the oil, its not there. It's not stuck on the drain plug. There was something the size of a gasket on the oil pan, but I couldn't pry it loose w/ my fingers. So far its not leaking... I will try tapping w/ a flathead next time - very lightly. But please let me know if yours did not come w/ a gasket. Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, details:

oil filter - free via costco gift certificate
oil gasket - free via costco gift certificate
oil - mobile 1 $30/6qts

I only used 3.4qts and its 1mm south of the full dimple. Next time I'm going to try 3.2 qts and aim for 4mm.

ACORNBLUES · 09-13-2007, 03:52 AM

hey guys, did my 1st oil change. I'm not sure if it came w/ a crush washer/gasket. At 1st I thought it fell into the drain pan... but after pouring out the oil, its not there. It's not stuck on the drain plug. There was something the size of a gasket on the oil pan, but I couldn't pry it loose w/ my fingers. So far its not leaking... I will try tapping w/ a flathead next time - very lightly. But please let me know if yours did not come w/ a gasket. Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, details:

oil filter - free via costco gift certificate
oil gasket - free via costco gift certificate
oil - mobile 1 $30/6qts

I only used 3.4qts and its 1mm south of the full dimple. Next time I'm going to try 3.2 qts and aim for 4mm.

jdenenberg · 09-13-2007, 08:51 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ACORNBLUES @ Sep 13 2007, 03:52 AM) [snapback]511804[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

hey guys, did my 1st oil change. I'm not sure if it came w/ a crush washer/gasket. At 1st I thought it fell into the drain pan... but after pouring out the oil, its not there. It's not stuck on the drain plug. There was something the size of a gasket on the oil pan, but I couldn't pry it loose w/ my fingers. So far its not leaking... I will try tapping w/ a flathead next time - very lightly. But please let me know if yours did not come w/ a gasket. Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, details:

oil filter - free via costco gift certificate
oil gasket - free via costco gift certificate
oil - mobile 1 $30/6qts

I only used 3.4qts and its 1mm south of the full dimple. Next time I'm going to try 3.2 qts and aim for 4mm.
[/b]

The Crush Ring (gasket) deforms when you tighten the drain plug and often gets stuck on the oil pan. I use a flat bladed screwdriver (and the heel of my hand) to get it off.

JeffD

jdenenberg · 09-13-2007, 08:51 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ACORNBLUES @ Sep 13 2007, 03:52 AM) [snapback]511804[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

hey guys, did my 1st oil change. I'm not sure if it came w/ a crush washer/gasket. At 1st I thought it fell into the drain pan... but after pouring out the oil, its not there. It's not stuck on the drain plug. There was something the size of a gasket on the oil pan, but I couldn't pry it loose w/ my fingers. So far its not leaking... I will try tapping w/ a flathead next time - very lightly. But please let me know if yours did not come w/ a gasket. Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, details:

oil filter - free via costco gift certificate
oil gasket - free via costco gift certificate
oil - mobile 1 $30/6qts

I only used 3.4qts and its 1mm south of the full dimple. Next time I'm going to try 3.2 qts and aim for 4mm.
[/b]

The Crush Ring (gasket) deforms when you tighten the drain plug and often gets stuck on the oil pan. I use a flat bladed screwdriver (and the heel of my hand) to get it off.

JeffD

drifty1955 · 09-19-2007, 11:13 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ACORNBLUES @ Sep 13 2007, 03:52 AM) [snapback]511804[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

hey guys, did my 1st oil change. I'm not sure if it came w/ a crush washer/gasket. At 1st I thought it fell into the drain pan... but after pouring out the oil, its not there. It's not stuck on the drain plug. There was something the size of a gasket on the oil pan, but I couldn't pry it loose w/ my fingers. So far its not leaking... I will try tapping w/ a flathead next time - very lightly. But please let me know if yours did not come w/ a gasket. Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, details:

oil filter - free via costco gift certificate
oil gasket - free via costco gift certificate
oil - mobile 1 $30/6qts

I only used 3.4qts and its 1mm south of the full dimple. Next time I'm going to try 3.2 qts and aim for 4mm.
[/b]

Just curious...why are you trying for an oil level thats below the full line? I used 3.5 quarts and it hit the full line right on the mark. Also I would use the factory original filter. Its only $6 at the dealer and will be superior to anything you can buy elsewhere.

**efusco** · 09-19-2007, 11:16 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Drifty'sDad @ Sep 19 2007, 10:13 PM) [snapback]515096[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Just curious...why are you trying for an oil level thats below the full line? I used 3.5 quarts and it hit the full line right on the mark. Also I would use the factory original filter. Its only $6 at the dealer and will be superior to anything you can buy elsewhere. [/b]

There is a "minimum" mark and a "Maximum" mark...neither are 'full' marks. Any oil level between the two is safe and adequate. Above or below could be problematic. Even 3 quarts will get you to the 'minimum' level.

naterprius · 09-20-2007, 12:06 AM

You should bring it up to the full mark lest you miss out on splash lube.

Any fuller and your splash lube turns to froth (bad).

Nate

Bob64 · 09-20-2007, 07:13 PM

Same here, except I also installed an fumoto oil valve and poured in the oil before I noticed... I hope it doesn't leak >_<;;

Fitchdave · 09-20-2007, 09:53 PM

Same here, first oil change 2 weeks ago. Use a flat head screwdriver to push the washer off. The oil pan is smooth at the drain hole.

Toyota filters come with washer/gaskets. $4.00 toyota filters online at
www.metrotpn.com

Mobil 1 5W30 is $20 for a gal jug at Walmart.

Highly ImPriused · 09-24-2007, 12:10 PM

I just did my first oil change over the weekend. The prior one was done for free at the dealer. I'd never done an oil change myself before (other than on a lawn mower), but this was very simple. Rotated the tires too. It's a great feeling to know that I can do this stuff myself and have the confidence that it was done right.

Anyway, yes the drain plug gasket is there as others have mentioned. It came off with slight pressure from a flathead screwdriver for me. The hardest part was getting the old filter off. I used a small strap wrench that I happened to have handy, but there was very little space to get a good twist on it. I eventually got it to give, but it took a good 10 minutes of finagling to get the right angle/pressure. I'm going to pick up a properly sized filter wrench before I do it again.

I put in exactly 3 qts of Shell full synthetic and the oil level ended up pretty much exactly midway between the low and high marks on the dipstick. I was ready to put a little more in if necessary, but was pleasantly surprised that 3 qts filled it adequately. I used Shell since it was on sale at BJs and came out to about half the price of Mobil1 after rebate ($16 for a 6-pack) . Anyone have any comments good or bad about Shell synthetic?

View Poll Results: oil gasket
yes	15	78.95%
no	0	0%
i don't know	4	21.05%
Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll

09-24-2007, 12:10 PM	#10
Highly ImPriused Impressive Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western NY Posts: 233 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #1 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I just did my first oil change over the weekend. The prior one was done for free at the dealer. I'd never done an oil change myself before (other than on a lawn mower), but this was very simple. Rotated the tires too. It's a great feeling to know that I can do this stuff myself and have the confidence that it was done right. Anyway, yes the drain plug gasket is there as others have mentioned. It came off with slight pressure from a flathead screwdriver for me. The hardest part was getting the old filter off. I used a small strap wrench that I happened to have handy, but there was very little space to get a good twist on it. I eventually got it to give, but it took a good 10 minutes of finagling to get the right angle/pressure. I'm going to pick up a properly sized filter wrench before I do it again. I put in exactly 3 qts of Shell full synthetic and the oil level ended up pretty much exactly midway between the low and high marks on the dipstick. I was ready to put a little more in if necessary, but was pleasantly surprised that 3 qts filled it adequately. I used Shell since it was on sale at BJs and came out to about half the price of Mobil1 after rebate ($16 for a 6-pack) . Anyone have any comments good or bad about Shell synthetic? __________________ The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw

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09-13-2007, 03:52 AM	#1
ACORNBLUES Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 86 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	hey guys, did my 1st oil change. I'm not sure if it came w/ a crush washer/gasket. At 1st I thought it fell into the drain pan... but after pouring out the oil, its not there. It's not stuck on the drain plug. There was something the size of a gasket on the oil pan, but I couldn't pry it loose w/ my fingers. So far its not leaking... I will try tapping w/ a flathead next time - very lightly. But please let me know if yours did not come w/ a gasket. Thanks in advance. Oh yeah, details: oil filter - free via costco gift certificate oil gasket - free via costco gift certificate oil - mobile 1 $30/6qts I only used 3.4qts and its 1mm south of the full dimple. Next time I'm going to try 3.2 qts and aim for 4mm.

09-20-2007, 12:06 AM	#7
naterprius Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,830 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	You should bring it up to the full mark lest you miss out on splash lube. Any fuller and your splash lube turns to froth (bad). Nate

09-20-2007, 07:13 PM	#8
Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 823 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Same here, except I also installed an fumoto oil valve and poured in the oil before I noticed... I hope it doesn't leak >_<;;

09-20-2007, 09:53 PM	#9
Fitchdave Silver Squirell Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Shore Boston Posts: 28 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Same here, first oil change 2 weeks ago. Use a flat head screwdriver to push the washer off. The oil pan is smooth at the drain hole. Toyota filters come with washer/gaskets. $4.00 toyota filters online at www.metrotpn.com Mobil 1 5W30 is $20 for a gal jug at Walmart.