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Oil Washer

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Spenny, Feb 3, 2018.

  1. Spenny

    Spenny Member

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    I feel a little embarrassed asking but is it ok to reuse the oil washer? I have my car on stands right now and I really need to change my oil but I can find my stash of new washers and it’s 10:51 at night.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Yes it's ok to reuse, some people never change them
     
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just the once is no big deal.
     
  4. Spenny

    Spenny Member

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    Thanks. I figured it shouldn’t but I’d hate to do something stupid, lose my oil and ruin my engine.
     
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  5. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    nothing like a stupid question/
    better safe than sorry/
     
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  6. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    You can order them on Amazon and if you reuse the old one inspect it an most of all make sure it is there. If you buy new ones make sure you don't double washer them, it's been done i'm sure.
    I can see a problem with the newer Prius with the larger plastic shields under the car. If you have an oil leak it will take you longer to detect.
     
  7. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    i have 100k miles on my original washer
     
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  8. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    There’s 3 types of washers I’ve used before. The aluminum and copper, I reuse it 3 times and toss it away. The nylon washer Toyota uses when changing the oil, I don’t reuse them. The factory washer that Toyota uses when The vehicle is brand new, I’ve seen people never change them out. I just like to change out my washers every time if it’s those nylon crush washer, they’re soft and tend to break after the 2nd time since they’re a softer material.
     
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  9. Bay Stater

    Bay Stater Senior Member

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    I am still using the same oil washer that I bought new with 40K on the car. Also bought three extras. My car is now approaching 120K.
     
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  10. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    Doesn't a new washer come with ea. new filter?.......at least with my OEM Toyota filters it does.......
     
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  11. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Some do, some don’t. When I bought the six pack off of eBay for our 2010, no washers.

    When I bought a single filter for our 2017 RX450h, they put a washer in the box so the techs have everything they need in one box;).

    But they charged $2.20 for the gasket:mad:.

    Lesson learned(y).
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    i change the washer every time, but if circumstances ever dictated, I'd have no qualms about single reuse.

    No problems with the Toyota washer, with it's laminated plastic skin. BUT: Honda has a similar laminated washer, I would torque it, and next oil change the bolt seemed barely more than finger-tight. I mentioned to the part guy, and they came up with some plain aluminium ones, no problems with them.
     
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  13. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Still using my original washer as well. I do have 5 or so in a bag somewhere in the glove box. The ones I purchased look the same as the original. Oh, except they don't have oil on them. ;)
     
  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You guys are living dangerously, lol.
     
  15. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    I haven't changed oil yet on my Gen4 but have several left over from my Gen 2. I don't know if they are the same or not.
     
  16. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    The drain bolt should be the same.

    It is on the RX450h and was the same one on our old 98 4runner.
     
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  17. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    Toyota, Lexus and Nissan drain bolts are all the same from what I remember.
     
  18. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Honda automotive oil filters (all, as far as I know) are same socket size as Prius, 14 face, 64 mm face-to-face. Is that standard size for all Toyota?
     
  19. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Just a note for those who fret about the washer. The first oil change on the FJ Cruiser went badly as I was confused. When I put the drain bolt back in and filled it with oil everything looked fine. No leaks. Started the engine and warmed it up for a minute or so and checked again for leaks. There were none. Proceeded to pour the oil from the catch pan into container(s) and lo and behold, there was the drain bolt washer in the bottom. Still no leaks on the FJ. I did clean the drain pan, remove the drain bolt, install the washer and replace the bolt (with clean oil flowing - lots of fun).
    So I'm not so sure a "faulty" washer would lead to disaster. ;)
     
  20. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    -12028 washers are the plastic/nylon ones, -12031 are the coated metal ones.
    The latter can be reused, but should not be.

    Most quick lubes never change the washers unless there is a leak. You can also buy the generic washers off eBay for much less than the dealer, but I find them to be a bit thinner and are not reusable.