I made the mistake several years ago of having my oil changed at Jiffy Lube. It's leaked ever since, and I've found out that JL has a habit of replacing your oil pan plug with a plastic one. I ordered a replacement plug from my local dealer, which they had mentioned required a washer of some sort. Since I'm a ways from the dealership, I had them mail it to me, but it didn't come with the washer. Rather than wait for them to get me one, I was wondering if I could get something that would work from my local auto parts store.

What kind of washer am I looking for? Is it a rubber washer, or some sort of other type?

Thanks!

 

I can't remember if it is copper or alumium.
Mike

 

They are cheap. Should be replaced everytime you change your oil, but I think everyone just turns them over. I know I do. Here's a link to get a few if you want some...

http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/ALU1403LGK.cfm

 

Most times when they replace the oil plug with a non metal one its because they have stripped the oil pan.

 

I have used the same washer since my truck was new, just keep turning it over everytime I remove the bolt.
Mike

 

I went down to the local Napa and picked up a washer with an integrated rubber seal, since I want to make sure I really seal it up. I've also opted to spend the bucks on synthetic in the hopes it will boost me above 13 mpg around town . . .

 

You will notice a nice boost going to synthetics in your T-case and diffs. Really easy to change out, and the rover diffs could use the extra help.

 

Interesting. I'll have to try it. I've never done it before though. How do I do it?

 

On your differentials, there are 2 plugs. One on the cover and one on the bottom. You can fit a 3/8 ratchet in to pull it. The top plug is the fill/level plug and the bottom is the drain. Just pull the top, then pull the bottom. Let drain and look for suspended metal particles. This will tell you how bad, if at all your diff is wearing. Also look for water. Sometimes if you hit a stream with a hot diff, it will suck water in through the seals. My rear diff will do this, and I have to watch it.

Replace the bottom plug, and fill the other hole till oil flows out. You may have to use a tube or oil pump if you have something in the way, so you may want to check clearances before you drain the fluid. YOu may get stuck in your driveway....

The transfer case is pretty much the same way, only in a way more akward position. You have to use a pump to get the oil in here.

 

The material of the washer doesn't really matter much, it just needs to be an appropriately sized crush washer. As mike said Alu, or Cu both work well.

If you're changing your diff oil you might want to order a couple brass plugs for those as well... I forgot to (getting diffs changed right now) but will on my next order. Why someone would choose plastic for a plug....