on MazdaProtege.net, the "How-To" for oil changes brought a question to my mind. I've changed the oil once on my own, so I just wanted to make sure I did everything correctly. However, if you look at http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/oilchange/ , Step 7 says to put a new drainplug gasket on the drainplug before screwing it back on. What's this all about? I've never heard of a drainplug gasket...can someone fill me in? Thanks for your input!

 

They are referring to the washer on the drain plug. Some people call this a gasket. I would only change mine if you think oil is leaking from the plug.

 

the WASHER is in fact a gasket....its an aluminum gasket....dealers change them, or at least charge you for them, everytime they change the oil....you can buy them at the dealer...and the are a whopping 25 cents ....they sell them in little bags of five....

the last time I stopped by my dealer and picked up 5 oil filters...they threw the little bag of five in for nothing.

 

Why does it matter if there is a new washer or not? I don't see how it could affect anything really...

 

once it gets marred up....you COULD end up with a slow leak at the drain plug.....

once the washer has no more crush...it no longer does its intended function of actually applying presure to the bottom side of the plug mating surface, aiding in keeping the plug tight....and leak free.....

so why not replace a 25 cent part every 3000 to 6000 miles? seems pretty silly thing NOT to do.

 

So to get the gasket, basically what I unscrew and screw in at the bottom of the oil pan, I go to the dealership and buy some?