The apparent "LIFETIME " oil drain plug gasket

I have a lifetime gasket. It is called Fumoto.

IIRC, before Fumoto, I used to reuse washer several times (five IIRC), before replacing and never had leaks YMMV

 

I've reused the plain aluminum washer on multiple occasions w/o issues or over-torquing the plug. When I see dust streaks moving back from the drain plug; I know it's seeping. At that point I have no choice but to replace that washer. I can usually get 4-5 oil changes on the same washer, before that starts happening. I always keep spares on-hand; just too lazy to go find one; while I'm under the car.

FWIW; This is the thick OEM washer, NOT the thin blue flimsy one they are currently selling. I do flip the washer over each time, so there's always a different mating surface - don't know if that makes a difference. It's aluminum, so I figure it'll crush down and seal; but your only going to get so many compressions before it starts seeping.

YMMV......

 

Funny part is, I've done oil changes without a gasket at all and it works just as well.

 

I actually broke my cardinal rule, reused the transaxle coolant fluid drain bolt washer recently, but other'n that I've always used new. Plain aluminum is best I think. I've had no problems with the coated, Toyota oil plan drain bolt washer, but with similar Honda washer, I started noticing every subsequent time I went to break the bolt loose it seemed barely finger-tight. Whatever coating it had was way too compressible. Next time I was at the dealership I asked if they had a plain aluminum alternate, and it was "yup, here you go".

 

Mendel: Were you not getting a washer for "free" everytime you bought a filter from Toyota?

I was, and it seems several people on the forum mentioned free washers.

After collecting a half dozen or so I politely began refusing.

The dealer price was comparable to the Napa Gold and other aftermarket filters. They know me now, so don't know if they still routinely throw in a washer.

 

No; I see last time the washer was $2.11 CDN. Flipping back: in September 2022 it was $1.36. Maybe tariffs at work.

 

It depends on the dealership your buying from. I just discovered the online back-doors to my local Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Those prices are competitive to the other on-line OEM retailers. They've privately stated to me that they couldn't give me the on-line prices, even if I asked. They said; just order and pay for it on-line - if it's in stock, it'll take 3-4 hours before it's ready for pickup. don't do this on a weekend, it may not be ready until Monday.
The prices seem to be a jobber price, but without having to file resale paperwork and documented business license.
They gave me free washer with my last filters purchased. They were basically priced the same as a bottom rung Fram filter.

 

I find it difficult to believe that a steel plug with an aluminum washer going into a steel pan would corrode and sieze. Does this person NOT do oil changes? Are they one of those people that stick a tube down the dip-stick tube and suck it out; maybe not change the oil filter and call it a day?
I know a lot of dumb people, but even a moron should know better. Had a guy once ask me how much to replace their dip stick tube. I told him; "I don't know, I need to look at it to see how difficult it would be to snake the new tube down." Asked him how the tube got broken and he stated that it happened when they were doing an oil change. I told him; "What the heck are you talking about??" Then he explained how the people he was taking the car to did this. Asked; are they going to reimburse you for this repair? He states they moved and he can't find them.
There's a reason why that service was abnormally cheap and I wouldn't really call that a valid oil change - because leaving junk in the bottom of your pan kinda defeats the purpose and if you not lifting the car; is the filter being replaced? I know some cars, the oil filter is on top (ie. newer Subaru).