Brass Washer???

Crazycat · 10-18-2006, 09:00 AM

Just bought a couple of Nissan oil filters from the Dealer. Each one has a thin brass washer taped to the box. Didn't notice that until I got home. Does anybody know what it is for? This will be the first time I change the oil myself, Dealer has done it up to now, yup lazy. Never seen a washer for an oil filter before.

rodney · 10-18-2006, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazycat

Just bought a couple of Nissan oil filters from the Dealer. Each one has a thin brass washer taped to the box. Does anybody know what it is for?

it is for the drain plug.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazycat

This will be the first time I change the oil myself, Dealer has done it up to now, yup lazy.

you sure you are up to the task?

sudden urge · 10-18-2006, 09:29 AM

It's a copper washer.

Crazycat · 10-18-2006, 09:36 AM

Yeah, think I can handle it. Ok it's copper, what it for??

loosenut · 10-18-2006, 09:39 AM

The washer is for the oil drain plug. The washer is soft and will yield slightly under the normal torque setting used on the drain plug. It is recommended that you replace the washer, but I have not been using OEM filters, so I am still using the original "crush washer".

lifeinthesouth · 10-18-2006, 09:44 AM

lucky bastards, i had to go to the dealer and buy a 10 pak of washers.

Crazycat · 10-18-2006, 12:08 PM

Managed to get it done! Did see the crush washer on the drain plug, just hadn't seen one like this before. The idea of having the Dealer do the frist oil change to fight off the filter---not. At least not with mine, this gorilla must have gone to the factory to learn how to put them on so damn tight!! Tried an old leather belt that I have used for years on several other vehicles, didn't work, screwdriver through the filter body, only started ripping the metal filter body as I tried to turn! Finally went to the auto parts a bought a filter wrench that fits, that finally worked after a good deal of sweat!

skyhammer · 10-18-2006, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loosenut

The washer is for the oil drain plug. The washer is soft and will yield slightly under the normal torque setting used on the drain plug. It is recommended that you replace the washer, but I have not been using OEM filters, so I am still using the original "crush washer".

I have only changed the washer once, I figure if it is not leaking why change it.
Just curious, what does the type of filter you are using have to do with whether you change the washer or not? How are the two related?

tnbowhunter · 10-18-2006, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifeinthesouth

lucky bastards, i had to go to the dealer and buy a 10 pak of washers.

I must live a charmed life. After 40+ years of changing oil in all of my vehicles I have never replaced a crush washer. Just snug-er up good and your good to go.

I guess it dosen't hurt to be on the safe side thouigh, just send me those once used washers and i'll try to reuse them lol.

pagerdaddy · 10-18-2006, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyhammer

Just curious, what does the type of filter you are using have to do with whether you change the washer or not? How are the two related?

Some of us are too lazy to buy the washers seperately....and Walmart isn't likely to have the crush washers there with the filters.

skyhammer · 10-18-2006, 01:32 PM

Ah! That makes perfect sense. I neglected to take into account the laziness factor!

loosenut · 10-18-2006, 04:54 PM

I figure if the old crush washer starts leaking, I will know very quickly. It's not going to drip out very fast and the Titan is parked in the same place every night. I would notice the oil spot in the driveway.

BKW · 10-18-2006, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazycat

Just bought a couple of Nissan oil filters from the Dealer. Each one has a thin brass washer taped to the box. Didn't notice that until I got home. Does anybody know what it is for? This will be the first time I change the oil myself, Dealer has done it up to now, yup lazy. Never seen a washer for an oil filter before.

Did you hand tighten the replacement filter? DO NOT tighten with a wrench, or you'll have a major oil spill.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 10-18-2006, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnbowhunter

I must live a charmed life. After 40+ years of changing oil in all of my vehicles I have never replaced a crush washer. Just snug-er up good and your good to go.

I guess it dosen't hurt to be on the safe side thouigh, just send me those once used washers and i'll try to reuse them lol.

I'm with you. No need to change it...especially if you've ever tried to get the old crush washer off! Needless. Never leaked in all my oil changing years.

silverbeast · 10-18-2006, 08:14 PM

i'm with you two! just keep on using my old washer. no leaks.