first time at a oil change

[beexy]

hey everyone. about to attempt an oil change for the first time. thought i would try something that seems relatively straight forward thanks to the help from the forums. one question is that the manual says to change the copper drain plug washer. any idea on what size and/or where to get one from?

[tassie wombat]

ive never changed mine,but repco would have them,not sure of size though.

[Clunk]

try Repco............ I haven't replaced mine for the last 2 oil changes. Still doesn't leak.

[Col.T]

G'day bexy,
Over 2 models and about 600K all up, never changed the washer yet.
Don't crush the s**t out if it , don't drop it in sand without cleaning it and all will be well
just a $$$$$$$$$$$$ maker for the dealers etc..
Good luck
Col

[BigRAWesty]

I prefer the fabric washers personally, and replace every time the plug is removed..
But any auto parts joint like repco or bursons should be able to help..

[XT43]

Chuck it over a gas flame and get it to just glow red and cool down slowly.

Good as new.

[MudRunnerTD]

I have never replaced one in 10 years and 2 cars.

Wear nitrile gloves mate ;)

[happygu]

hey everyone. about to attempt an oil change for the first time. thought i would try something that seems relatively straight forward thanks to the help from the forums. one question is that the manual says to change the copper drain plug washer. any idea on what size and/or where to get one from?

They don't really wear out as such, and copper is soft, softer than the steel bolt and sump, and will mould itself and remould itself each time you tighten it.

Mic

[NP99]

I don't even use a sump plug.......just a hanky stuffed in with a stick :)

[Drew]

I don't even use a sump plug.......just a hanky stuffed in with a stick :)

Wow you had a hanky ? When I was a kid my dad couldn't afford a hanky so he had me stick me finger in ..... LOL :)

[Cuppa]

answer is 12mm, at least that's what fits mine. Autobarn's book said they are all the same, but Mudrunner here found this not to be so??



Chuck it over a gas flame and get it to just glow red and cool down slowly.

Good as new.

Copper 'work hardens' but can be revived (softened) for re-use if it hasn't become too squashed & thin. As XT43 says, heat it with a gas flame until it glows red (cherry red), but I have always been told that it should then be quenched immediately in water, rather than allowing it to cool slowly. I successfully re-used solid copper head gaskets on Triumph motorcycles using this method for many years.

Cuppa

[Robo]

The copper washer should be less than $2, genuine.
just bought one off Patrolapart. $1.70
the washers aren't a flat piece of metal rather a crushable hollow-ish design.
but as the good peoples have said, they will last for years

the trick is to undo the bolt and not get the dirty oil on you.
"fast hands".

[beexy]

thanks for the help guys. think ill try with out changing the washer and see how it goes.

[GQ TANK]

If you have trouble undoing the oil filter - get a big screwdriver and belt it though - its a bit messy - been doing this for years. I originally brought a tool for the filter - but found the screw driver trick was quicker - just have some rags on hand to clean up any spilt oil.

[threedogs]

Also take care when withdrawing the dip stick Nissan have put it Directly in line with the POS+ terminal,
very easy to short
If you do have some oil spillage Kittylitter will soak it up or
saw dust from local carpentry shop is free and works great
The term is annealing get it red and quench in water
This softens [anneals] hard drawn copper

[Cuppa]

The term is annealing get it red and quench in water

That's it, I had forgotten the term, thanks.

[threedogs]

As long as you don't have bits left over you should be right, just clean with rag before re fitting to the Patrol

[growler2058]

Don't do it over the lawn! I did and there's still a dead spot where nothing grows. Not even weeds and that was 2 years ago :)

[Cuppa]

Don't do it over the lawn! I did and there's still a dead spot where nothing grows. Not even weeds and that was 2 years ago :)

The neighbour's driveway is best. LOL.

[NP99]

Don't do it over the lawn! I did and there's still a dead spot where nothing grows. Not even weeds and that was 2 years ago :)

Replace the top 10cm with fresh dirt mate, toss the old in the bin.:)

[XT43]

answer is 12mm, at least that's what fits mine. Autobarn's book said they are all the same, but Mudrunner here found this not to be so??




Copper 'work hardens' but can be revived (softened) for re-use if it hasn't become too squashed & thin. As XT43 says, heat it with a gas flame until it glows red (cherry red), but I have always been told that it should then be quenched immediately in water, rather than allowing it to cool slowly. I successfully re-used solid copper head gaskets on Triumph motorcycles using this method for many years.

Cuppa

Splitting hairs I know but always good for the knowledge base!

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annealing_(metallurgy)


In the cases of copper, steel, silver, and brass, this process is performed by heating the material (generally until glowing) for a while and then letting it cool to room temperature in still air. Copper, silver[1] and brass can be cooled slowly in air, or quickly by quenching in water, unlike ferrous metals, such as steel, which must be cooled slowly to anneal. In this fashion, the metal is softened and prepared for further work—such as shaping, stamping, or forming.

We are both correct! Being so small it's usually cooled down by the time I get out the front from the kitchen and I need to make a quick exit before the wife gets cranky for me bringing garage stuff into her area!