I've resorted to changing the oil for my 1997 Honda Civic DX myself. How often (if ever) should I replace the drain plug?
2007-05-08 09:42:57 · 7 answers · asked by Erik H 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You should never have to replace the drain plug, but typically there is a washer on the drain plug that assists in creating a seal between the drain plug and the oil pan.
They typically make two different types. One made of fiber is typically replaced every time. They are soft and crush easily to form a good seal. They also typically make them out of copper (which is what I get). They are in theory suppose to eventually be replaced, but I have yet to replace one. The fiber gaskets are like $0.10 each. The copper ones are like $0.60 each.
2007-05-08 09:53:17 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never. You might need a new gasket from time to time, but the drain plug should last the life of the car. It often gets torn up by people not using the proper tools, and once it gets bad enough, you might be able to remove it with vise grips only. If it gets that bad or some one cross threads it putting it in wrong, it should be replaced.
2016-04-01 02:52:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The drain plug on the oil pan doesn't have to be replaced. Thank god because I think they're like 10 bucks on those civics.
2007-05-08 09:51:01 · answer #3 · answered by Just keep breathin' 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should make sure if there is a plastic washer that its in good shape The drain plug should be replaced when the gasket surface starts to get scarred up under the gasket .I had to replace one because it had been overtightened and distorted the head and wouldn't seal.
2007-05-08 10:01:06 · answer #4 · answered by redd headd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well i used to replace some drain plugs on cars around 50k just because they dont seal well all the time plus they start to round off or rust also the ones with the built in gasket start to carrode after about 50k so its better to be safe than sorry
2007-05-08 09:59:44 · answer #5 · answered by Ted H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's a washer available from Honda, but the plug goes forever as long as you take your time and don't cross thread it. I don't even bother changing the washers. So far, no leaks.
2007-05-08 10:31:17 · answer #6 · answered by bobweb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never, unless you strip the threads on it. There would be no reason to do it otherwise.
2007-05-08 09:46:11 · answer #7 · answered by J.R. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋