2009 model oil drain plug crush washer

littledog · December 16th, 2009, 06:16 PM

I just change the oil on my new babay *sigh* and what found under the oil drain plug doesn't look like any crush washer I have ever seen before. It appears to be a simple stamped out aluminum washer, possibly machined on one side.

So I reused it.

JCCJMM_ · December 16th, 2009, 07:57 PM

Some people recommend changing them every oil change. I never have replaced one, not on any vehicle. Never had a problem either.

littledog · December 16th, 2009, 08:27 PM

Thank you jccjmm

I'm sorry if I'm asking a dumb question here. When I read "crush washer" I expected a washer that is sort of like a tiny donut made of folded brass or copper that changes shape (gets thinner) when the bolt is tightened.

is the aluminum washer a crush washer, of a different type, meant to be replaced? I just don't see how it is altered in any way by tightening, unlike the donut thing I described.

Or is this washer a meant to be re used, a "not crush (able) washer"

ninja250 · December 16th, 2009, 10:24 PM

The stock washer looks like bare aluminum in color and is crushable.
It's very light weight. Lighter than any I could find at the hardware store. I had to get these from the dealer.
Don't forget the O-ring for the oil filter.

Cedilla · December 16th, 2009, 10:28 PM

I would not replace it unless it was leaking, or if it was damaged. If it was a true crush washer I would replace it, but thats not the case.

ninja250 · December 16th, 2009, 10:31 PM

If it's a stock washer it needs to be replaced after 2-3 changes max. Or if you over torque it. It will gum up your threads and cost you more money in the long run. It's really easy to smash it.

Cedilla · December 16th, 2009, 10:37 PM

I seen what happens to crush washers when you don't replace them, but the washer that was on my drain plug did not look like a crush washer, it was not deformed at all.

rockNroll · December 17th, 2009, 04:57 AM

You should have no problems reusing it, I almost never replace these. I do like to reinstall them the way they come off, however (side that was against engine goes back against engine).

backinthesaddleagain · December 17th, 2009, 07:11 AM

I think of a crush washer being more like the ones you would see on some spark plugs. I have always replaced mine, but would't worry about reusing it once or twice. Would just be sure to not "flip" it over. Cheap enough though.

headshrink · December 19th, 2009, 04:41 PM

The torque on the drain plug is 14.5 ft-lbs, if I recall. That isn't a lot of crushing power. I used to replace mine every time out of habit, and as a carry-over from doing cars. However, after seeing that the washers where barely scratched, I started reusing them.

ninja250 · December 19th, 2009, 04:45 PM

I did go over 14.5ft,lbs the first time I changed the oil out on my bike because I forgot you use a torque wrench on these things and the washer will crush pretty easy. You'll see crush at about 20lbs I think.

It is what I would consider a crushable washer. It's the lightest density for it's size aluminum washer I've ever seen and it does crush and deform.

The washers were $0.38 ea to replace. I bought 10 of them for under $4 and I don't have to think about it again now that I have the torque wrench.

Sheesh I need to buy a 1/2" torque wrench and a 1/4" torque wrench now too.

Sailariel · January 9th, 2010, 07:05 PM

KC, If you check Nashbar.com, they have a great 1/4" Torque wrench for $60. Nashbar is a bicycle supply place. I have this wrench and it is really high quality---comes with the Allen sockets you need as well.

Snake · January 9th, 2010, 08:38 PM

I have 18,000 and have never changed out my crush washer with no leaks so far. Although I think during my next oil change it would be a good idea to change it. Cheap insurance.

adouglas · January 14th, 2010, 01:35 PM

You won't find it in any hardware store. Some (not all) auto chain stores carry them, in the section where you'll also find replacement drain plugs. The size is M12.

I got a few at Advance Auto Parts (don't know if that's a regional or national chain).

rockNroll · January 14th, 2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja250

Sheesh I need to buy a 1/2" torque wrench and a 1/4" torque wrench now too.

Get an inch/lb and a ft/lb... it's not the size of the drive that matters. Some fasteners will be torqued in ft/lbs (n/m) and some will be in in/lbs (cm/kgs). Three of my torque wrenches are 3/8" drive and one is 1/2" drive. I only pull out the 1/2" drive for things like head bolts.

December 16th, 2009, 06:16 PM	#1
littledog ninjette.org member Name: Peter Location: Deep South, USA Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Special Edition Ninja 250 a good memory, 2011 Suzuki DL 650 the new ride Posts: 131	2009 model oil drain plug crush washer I just change the oil on my new babay sigh and what found under the oil drain plug doesn't look like any crush washer I have ever seen before. It appears to be a simple stamped out aluminum washer, possibly machined on one side. So I reused it.

December 16th, 2009, 10:28 PM	#5
Cedilla ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Huntsville, AL Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 755	I would not replace it unless it was leaking, or if it was damaged. If it was a true crush washer I would replace it, but thats not the case. __________________________________________________ The Ninjette is not a disposable bike. You are not ever supposed to get rid of it. It is like a [friendly] herpes virus.... once you got it, you get keep it forever. Originally posted by-Headshrink

December 16th, 2009, 10:37 PM	#7
Cedilla ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Huntsville, AL Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 755	I seen what happens to crush washers when you don't replace them, but the washer that was on my drain plug did not look like a crush washer, it was not deformed at all. __________________________________________________ The Ninjette is not a disposable bike. You are not ever supposed to get rid of it. It is like a [friendly] herpes virus.... once you got it, you get keep it forever. Originally posted by-Headshrink

December 17th, 2009, 04:57 AM	#8
rockNroll . Name: rock Location: greenville, south carolina Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.	You should have no problems reusing it, I almost never replace these. I do like to reinstall them the way they come off, however (side that was against engine goes back against engine). __________________________________________________ Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The puzzling demise of my Oil Drain Plug Socket	ChrisMKV	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	May 10th, 2014 11:00 AM
Oil leak from drain plug	akh1685	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	7	October 4th, 2013 01:03 PM
Oil drain plug gasket for oil change.	tsdexter	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	8	July 10th, 2012 01:00 PM
2008 oil drain plug size and specs??	azimmer11	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	March 12th, 2012 09:55 PM
Oil Filter Crush Washer	Slono	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	January 24th, 2012 07:14 AM

December 16th, 2009, 07:57 PM	#2
JCCJMM_ ninjette.org member Name: John-Michael Location: Texas Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2007 EX250 Posts: 133	Some people recommend changing them every oil change. I never have replaced one, not on any vehicle. Never had a problem either.

December 16th, 2009, 08:27 PM	#3
littledog ninjette.org member Name: Peter Location: Deep South, USA Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Special Edition Ninja 250 a good memory, 2011 Suzuki DL 650 the new ride Posts: 131	Thank you jccjmm I'm sorry if I'm asking a dumb question here. When I read "crush washer" I expected a washer that is sort of like a tiny donut made of folded brass or copper that changes shape (gets thinner) when the bolt is tightened. is the aluminum washer a crush washer, of a different type, meant to be replaced? I just don't see how it is altered in any way by tightening, unlike the donut thing I described. Or is this washer a meant to be re used, a "not crush (able) washer"

December 16th, 2009, 10:24 PM	#4
ninja250 You are sleeping Name: Casey Location: LMFAO!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2 Posts: A lot.	The stock washer looks like bare aluminum in color and is crushable. It's very light weight. Lighter than any I could find at the hardware store. I had to get these from the dealer. Don't forget the O-ring for the oil filter.

December 16th, 2009, 10:31 PM	#6
ninja250 You are sleeping Name: Casey Location: LMFAO!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2 Posts: A lot.	If it's a stock washer it needs to be replaced after 2-3 changes max. Or if you over torque it. It will gum up your threads and cost you more money in the long run. It's really easy to smash it.

December 17th, 2009, 07:11 AM	#9
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	I think of a crush washer being more like the ones you would see on some spark plugs. I have always replaced mine, but would't worry about reusing it once or twice. Would just be sure to not "flip" it over. Cheap enough though.

December 19th, 2009, 04:41 PM	#10
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	The torque on the drain plug is 14.5 ft-lbs, if I recall. That isn't a lot of crushing power. I used to replace mine every time out of habit, and as a carry-over from doing cars. However, after seeing that the washers where barely scratched, I started reusing them.

December 19th, 2009, 04:45 PM	#11
ninja250 You are sleeping Name: Casey Location: LMFAO!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2 Posts: A lot.	I did go over 14.5ft,lbs the first time I changed the oil out on my bike because I forgot you use a torque wrench on these things and the washer will crush pretty easy. You'll see crush at about 20lbs I think. It is what I would consider a crushable washer. It's the lightest density for it's size aluminum washer I've ever seen and it does crush and deform. The washers were $0.38 ea to replace. I bought 10 of them for under $4 and I don't have to think about it again now that I have the torque wrench. Sheesh I need to buy a 1/2" torque wrench and a 1/4" torque wrench now too.

January 9th, 2010, 07:05 PM	#12
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	KC, If you check Nashbar.com, they have a great 1/4" Torque wrench for $60. Nashbar is a bicycle supply place. I have this wrench and it is really high quality---comes with the Allen sockets you need as well.

January 9th, 2010, 08:38 PM	#13
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	I have 18,000 and have never changed out my crush washer with no leaks so far. Although I think during my next oil change it would be a good idea to change it. Cheap insurance.

January 14th, 2010, 01:35 PM	#14
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	You won't find it in any hardware store. Some (not all) auto chain stores carry them, in the section where you'll also find replacement drain plugs. The size is M12. I got a few at Advance Auto Parts (don't know if that's a regional or national chain).