Trick To Removing The Oil Drain Plug Washer

I’ve been changing my vehicles oil for 50 years but today I changed it on my new 24 ORP for the first time . I had a tough time getting that blue washer off the pan after I removed the plug .
Never had that happen in the past.
So what’s the trick to removing it without damaging the drain hole opening ?
Thanks in advance.

 

Plastic scraper, tap W/hand or hammer.

 

This is a popular issue mentioned dozens of times. I used a screwdriver, tapping on it sideways pretty hard. I had less difficulty on subsequent oil changes.

 

The pan also looks like it has a washer on it. Not blue but I always at first glance think the washer is stuck on there.

I have no idea why they made it look like that.

 

Brass drift and a small hammer and it is important to get a good angle of attack. Patience is key.

 

Knife blade or flat blade screwdriver. Or go to a Fumoto valve or similar and won't have to worry about it.

 

Does that Fumoto allow all of the oil to drain out ? Seems like it would do to its design. Could be wrong because I’ve never owned one .

 

A flat head screw driver will pop it off fairly easy. If that does not work, hit it with your purse!

 

Yes, it’s a valve you install, then open it at oil change time, close fill the n repeat next oil change.

https://www.fumotousa.com/

 

Not enough retained to be a concern in my opinion, there’s plenty still in the engine when you pull the drain plug after all but it’s up to you.

 

I couldn’t believe the poor placement of then oil pan.. on a 4Runner, I had to jack it up to change the oil.. couldn’t even get direct line of sight on the drain bolt.. did it all by feel. Yes a “washerish” thing was felt.. tried a few times to scrap it off.. did nothing, so I left it on.. pos

on my old forester there was so much room to see the drain plug directly. car wasn’t even jacked up

 

I wiggle in a razor blade to pop it off.

 

Sharp blow with a hammer-screw driver. Also has that little bracket on filter housing that jambs or prevents housing from backing off. Will be getting my first free oil change at dealer next week - only 5000 miles/12 mos old - fist tire rotation.

 

Easiest way is a curved pick. Insert it in and pull down.

 

You might want to check with that dealership - more often than not Toyota service facilities will not do a "free" oil change at 5000 miles...

 

AFAIC, if it's not damaged with the normal removal and installation of said plug, just leave it on and reuse it.
I've done a dozen oil changes since mine was new and it doesn't look bad or leak.

 

The original washer is good for as lat least a decade. It would be a shame to throw it away.
I never removed any of off my two previous toyotas, mostly because I was worried about tearing the oil pan off

 

We remember when they were still copper washers. They never leaked.

I used to work at a sewage treatment plant and the gaskets for the Liquified Chlorine Gas containers were just a thin piece of Lead. We would have to wear full body, air pack suits just to change the tanks out. That shit is nasty. The warning signs were written in multiple languages. But basically it's a half a breath and you are dead.

Good Times

 

Stick a pocket screwdriver through the inside diameter and give it a flick.

Use a better copper washer that doesn't stick, Dorman P/N 65271. I've been using them for the past 6 years with good results. No leaks on either of my Toyotas. It's available at most auto parts stores.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOE7041354
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3936945&jsn=271

 

There is plenty of room to change the oil without lifting the 4runner lmao

 

This is the universe telling you to get a 3" lift and run 35" tires. Then you'll be able to get eyes on the drain plug.

 

It does not. Whatever thread that protrudes past the pan threads inside acts as a stand pipe.

Hell, use an oil extractor through the dipstick tube and never touch the drain plug again:

 

Years ago I had a car ( I think it was a Nissan ) that had a drain plug with a recessed rubber O ring built into it .

 

LOL I've change oil on my old 2018 from new till traded for my current 4Runner. Never had to jack it up, nor on my 2 previous FJ's. Sounds like you need to go back to Subaru.

 

x2. Oil Extractor is the way.

 

Get one of the valve options and you'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago. I had a Fumoto for years. No issues and yes, all the oil comes out. I decided the ValvoMax looks even easier so I installed it on my last oil change. Even has a heavy-duty bag to take the oil for recycling.

 

Millions of Ford Super Duty trucks have plastic oil pans. The drain plug is like a radiator petcock. I imagine they have O-rings:

 

i have an old mazda/ford tribute with the same arrangement. Instead of replacing a washer, the drain plug becomes the consumable. At least the ford ones are cheap.

 

Was your’s stock height? I had a 6.5” high oil catch bucket.. the skid plates are 8.5” off the ground..

You can do subtraction right?

 

Not at stock height, or if you don’t want to just pour the oil onto the ground