A question about oil changes.

[B-Man]

I am about to perform my first oil change and I have a question about the oil pan drain plug gasket.

Is it really necessary to change it every time you change the oil? I know it is not an expensive item, but I wanted to change the oil tomorrow morning and I forgot to purchase one when I bought my oil and filter.

I have never changed the neoprene gasket that is on my Grand Cherokee and it has 30,000 miles on it. Is the gasket that fragile of a material that it will break down every 5000 or 6000 miles?

Has anyone else done an oil change and not replaced the gasket?

This may appear to be a dumb question, but believe me, if you guys say it is mandatory to change it, I will. From reading many of the posts, the knowledge on this sight is better than most dealerships.

Thanks - Bryon.

[B-Man]

Thanks Smoky,

Like I said, it really isn't a cost thing. I just mad a myself for not remembering it and I am being lazy about going back out to get one.

Bryon.

[RF4B Driver]

Get a fumoto valve for your drain pan.

[Katin]

Your good just remember what side faces the pan to insure it will fit correctly.

29 lbs of torque on the plug, If you dont have atorque wrench the tight with your left hand is enough. You dont want to over tighten

[Whiteliner]

Originally Posted by RF4B Driver

Get a fumoto valve for your drain pan.

Not a driver, but know a thing or two about your APQ-72. Semper-Fi!

[allhans]

hey, only the oil pan side of the gasket is affected when torqued down. The bolt flange is flat and does not change the shape of the gasket when tightened.

so, if you forgot to buy a gasket, you can always just flip it around and place the "clean" side toward the pan.

Change it next time.

[basils]

Don't even worry about it. You can use it many times....or buy several new ones and use them....no difference. I used the same one for my wifes old CRV for at least 4 oil changes in a row. If I had a new one I'd use it; if not, I'd feel just as good using the old one.

[B-Man]

Thanks guys,

I went out to a dealer this morning to pick up the gaskets and the service manager told me the parts department was closed. I asked him if any auto parts stores carried the gaskets, he immediately walked into the service area and came back with 2 gaskets for no charge.

Even though I did not buy my Ridge there, I think I will bring it there for any service I can't do myself. A small jesture like that goes a long way in my book.

Bryon.

[ProHonda]

I looked at a new one, it does not crush. So I don't see why you would change it every time.

For now the dealer changes the oil, hard to beat a wash & change for $24

[allhans]

little things mean a lot....

the cost us 20 cents....costs them about a nickel per.