my first oil change done by myself i mean.. haha

i was wondering exactly what this "washer" that will go in between the oil pan plug and the oil pan? I'm reading this thing in the DIY that says u must get a new because if you try reusing the old one it will leak oil? What kind of washer is it and where can i buy it?

and how many bottles of oil do i use?

 

I've never changed the washer. Mine doesn't leak. You will need 4 quarts of oil. Get an extra bottle to keep in your trunk in case you need it. Also, make sure the gasket from the old filter isn't stuck to your engine when you change it. Another thing is run your car so your oil is warm when you change it.

 

i would get the washer from honda.. its a couple of cents each, but is soft so it gets crushed in between the pan and the bolt...
i rarely change it cuz it rarely leaks

 

Get a whole bag of them. It's like $0.09 each or something. You don't HAVE to change them, but why not for that price?

They're crush washers so when you tighten down on it it crushes to create a seal. Get new ones.

Oh, and ~4 quarts. Put 3 in and check to see where you are with the dip stick. Keep adding till your at the 2nd dot.

 

. . . . then start the engine, wait for oil pressure - make sure no leaks

Shut off engine - re-check & add again.

 

thanks for the help guys but i have some more questions.

there seems to be oil leaking and being burnt from my head. coming from where the head and block meet, it looks like ink spread out on it and i just started smelling a slight burning oil smell. My friend told me it was a head gasket.....

- How much does a brand new headgasket for my motor cost and is it easy to do it myself? (i really have no experience with this motor stuff) *1997 Civic DX Non Vtec*

- My friend said for temporary, to use thicker oil so it doesn't leak ask bad. I dont know if he's right, but if he is, which oil is the thickest?

 

20w50 would be thickest thats easily available.....but try 10w30....then 10w40...and if u can find it 15w30...but go one oil change at a time...

when you go up to thicker oils, dont forget to let the car warm up completely before you do any spirited driving...

 

Was it leaking before the oil change? Are you sure you didn't just spill oil? Head gaskets would be time consuming to do yourself, and expensive to have a shop do.

 

I agree. It's not an incredibly hard job, but it's basically taking the whole engine about 1/2 way apart.

If you're going to replace the head gasket, you aught to do the timing belt, timing belt tentioner, possibly the water pump, intake gasket (get a Hondata), exhaust gasket, and change your other belts if they look worn.

You will also need to drain your coolant and add more when you're done.

You should also get new head bolts, but that's always debatable.

there's a lot to a head gasket change man