Originally Posted by MrChad
I've had luck re-using the crush washer on many-many occasions. I reuse the washer until the ID reaches the inner threads of the drain bolt then I cut the washer off and install a new one, I get about 3 uses per washer. I'm also not paying the premium for someone to change my oil either.
I'm not cheap, the washer simply doesn't look used up after one use to me; that said I don't use a breaker bar to install the washer either and use up the tolerance in one install. I haven't had any bad luck yet with such a simple washer.
Our old mitsu Eclipse had the hollow o-ring type metal crush washer. I hated those, I simply used the Honda ones on our Mitsu for the re-usability.
My dealer would reuse the washer a time or two, however they would also use silicone sealant to add to the seal.
It seemed to me a new washer would just be cheaper for them though?
Well theoretically the way to reuse a crush washer properly would be to torque the bolt down a little harder each time so it compresses the aluminum more, so if you have a torque wrench and actually write it down then I guess they could be lifetime crush washers. But c'mon, it's $.10
