Crush Washers For Oil Bolt

Well, that pretty much says it all. The crush washer has disappeared. So, now I need a new one. I guess some people replace this each oil change? So, what size and is there a specific type? I can't really check just now because I put the bike back together and it's got a little drip. The past few oil changes I guess it stayed on the pan, because it was never anywhere around. So, now it's gone and I have a dribble.... Thx! JB

You do need it. You will pull your threads out in time. I get 10 at a time from the dealer. Almost every honda bike, ever made takes the same crush washer. You can use the washer twice and then replace. It's supposed to crush.

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on Aug 25 2008, 03:20 PM, said:

So, what size and is there a specific type?

The oil drain bolt has is 12mm.

If you can't find 12mm crush washers, 1/2 inch should work just fine. :warranty:

i guess im the only one who has used the same crush washer for 33,000 miles of oil changes?

[image: View Post]eric29, on Aug 25 2008, 07:51 PM, said:

i guess im the only one who has used the same crush washer for 33,000 miles of oil changes?
23,000+ for me. Never knew they were supposed to be replaced. Never have had a leak, though.

I only re-use mine when I don't have a replacement handy when I change my oil. (D'oh!) Had to use some odd-looking Suzuki crush washer once when the dealer didn't have the Honda one in stock. (Looked kind of like a keyring.) Worked OK but I switched back to the Honda type at my next oil change.

Buy 5-10 at a time and stash 'em in your toolbox. You'll have peace of mind and they should last you a long time.

Should it say something about the biggest Honda dealer in town that they had a single, yes, single crush washer in stock a couple weeks ago?

I reused the one that came on the drain bolt from the factor and after the third oil change it started dripping very slightly. New one fixed it, I'll have to hit the other shop in town and see if I can get another 10 or so and keep them with my box of oil filters. I'll probably replace every other time.

I know a guy who heats them up and swears this makes them re-usable. Haven't tried it myself.

I sometimes get them from the auto parts store, but it's annoying, they come in boxes of four assorted crush washers, and three of them are useless. I'm getting quite a collection of the useless ones.

Honda uses the same crush washers on their cars. So, you can always stop in an Acura or Honda auto dealer to pick some up. Nissan also uses crush washers and provide them with stock filters.

Huh, never knew it was supposed to be replaced... 8 oil changes so far and not a drip in sight. I wonder if I should change it next time, or if it's not worth the risk of replacing my tried-and-true one with a possibly faulty one (not likely)... eh, I'll probably change it out.

I knew they were "supposed" to get replaced, but I for the most part on my vehicles never have. This time, though, it just disappeared so I have to replace it. Went to the dealer today and picked up some with my new brake lever. I posted a few months ago about my adjuster not working, after cursing it for a few more months, realized it was broken. So, 40 bucks for a new lever and 1.99! for a crush washer? Wow, that bites! But I bought a few so I likely will never need more. Ooops, never say never! :rolleyes:

There must be a limit of how many times you can keep crushing down on the washer, before the soft aluminum(?) material might start developing cracks and start weeping oil. I've used them twice max with no problems........but 33K miles on the same washer :blink: :ohmy: , I wouldn't risk it just to save the cost of the relatively cheap part.

Beck
95 VFR

It's not so much for the seal to prevent leaks. But to help to prevent you from stripping out the drain threads. You tighten the bolt against the washer which is soft and crush it as opposed to wasting the threads in the oil pan. Cheap insurance IMO.

Hmm, everytime I got a filter for mine the Honda dealer had a new washer taped to the top of the box

[image: View Post]Loosenut, on Aug 26 2008, 11:41 AM, said:

Honda uses the same crush washers on their cars. So, you can always stop in an Acura or Honda auto dealer to pick some up. Nissan also uses crush washers and provide them with stock filters.


No sir that is not correct. The auto crush washers are bigger and will not fit properly. I get them in a box of 100 at our honda shop. The washer is really there to save the threads. Once the washer is crushed out you will be pulling on the threads alot more.

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Aug 26 2008, 04:17 PM, said:

Hmm, everytime I got a filter for mine the Honda dealer had a new washer taped to the top of the box
That's mighty nice of them! Do they tape new spark plugs to your cylinder head covers when you go there for a valve adjustment? :laugh:

The dealer here doesn't have them in boxes. They're just wrapped in plastic. I'm definitely due for a new crush washer, too. I buy them when I buy filters and replace them every other oil change, too, per the manual.

[image: View Post]soichiro, on Aug 26 2008, 01:29 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Loosenut, on Aug 26 2008, 11:41 AM, said:

Honda uses the same crush washers on their cars. So, you can always stop in an Acura or Honda auto dealer to pick some up. Nissan also uses crush washers and provide them with stock filters.


No sir that is not correct. The auto crush washers are bigger and will not fit properly. I get them in a box of 100 at our honda shop. The washer is really there to save the threads. Once the washer is crushed out you will be pulling on the threads alot more.


It won't be the first time I was wrong. Sorry about that. I have used the Honda auto crush washers on several motorcycles, but I don't have a VFR just yet. However, you can probably order the correct size from McMaster.com. Search for crush washer.

[image: View Post]elizilla, on Aug 25 2008, 11:54 PM, said:

I know a guy who heats them up and swears this makes them re-usable. Haven't tried it myself.

I sometimes get them from the auto parts store, but it's annoying, they come in boxes of four assorted crush washers, and three of them are useless. I'm getting quite a collection of the useless ones.

Could use them to make a really nice charm bracelet..... :laugh:

[image: View Post]elizilla, on Aug 26 2008, 12:54 AM, said:

I know a guy who heats them up and swears this makes them re-usable. Haven't tried it myself.

I sometimes get them from the auto parts store, but it's annoying, they come in boxes of four assorted crush washers, and three of them are useless. I'm getting quite a collection of the useless ones.

All,
I recently had to get a crush washer on a Sunday morning. Went to Auto Zone with zero belief they would have one. I came back with 10 @ $1.00 each. I smiled, said thanks and was riding later that day. Thanks, JD

[image: View Post]jstanwood, on Aug 26 2008, 03:44 PM, said:

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Aug 26 2008, 04:17 PM, said:

Hmm, everytime I got a filter for mine the Honda dealer had a new washer taped to the top of the box
That's mighty nice of them! Do they tape new spark plugs to your cylinder head covers when you go there for a valve adjustment? :laugh:

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Valve adjustment??? it doesn't even have 30,000 on it yet :laugh: But I'll let ya know if they do at say,,,,, 70,000??? right BR?

[image: View Post]eric29, on Aug 25 2008, 06:51 PM, said:

i guess im the only one who has used the same crush washer for 33,000 miles of oil changes?


try the hundred of thousands, doing my own changes I've never have to replace the washer, but those vehicles where I've use the grease monkey places destoy them for some reason. Leaking

but on all mc's and autos, I've never had to replace the washer when i was the changer