Oil Drain Plug Washer

I have worked on old Volvo's for a number of years and just bought a 2023 4Runner. I changed the oil for the first time today (1000 mile break-in oil change), and have a question regarding the oil drain plug washer.

When I removed the drain plug, it did not feel like it was on very tight (10 lb-ft?), and I did not see a drain plug washer. I felt around in the drain pan and could not find a washer there. It felt like there may be a washer on the oil pan, so I took an extension and tapped at what I thought might be a washer. I also took a sharp screwdriver and tried gently prying at what I thought was a washer. It didn't come off. I didn't want to use excessive force on whatever is there as I don't want to damage anything. Considering that the drain plug was not very tight, I figure whatever is on there shouldn't be stuck too much.

My question is this. Is there supposed to be a washer or ridge around the drain plug?

I have two photos below. One is from directly underneath and the other is from the side.

https://ibb.co/bPv8JYL

https://ibb.co/BKMNTJf

 

Yes or it will drip.

 

Yes, I put a washer on the drain plug.
I just don’t know if there is supposed to be a washer/ridge type protrusion that is part of the oil pan.

 

By that first pic, It appears to still be on the pan. The first time changing oil, those drain plug gaskets can be a little difficult to get off.

 

Ok, that is what I was afraid of. I just didn’t want to get too rough if it is supposed to be there.

 

I felt the same way on my first oil change. It took a lot more force to remove that washer than I would have liked. I'm pretty sure the drain plug came over-torqued, because the next oil change wasn't hard at all, I know the drain plug was torqued properly that time. (My oil filter housing also came considerably over-torqued from the factory).

 

Is it a washer stuck to the pan. Someone might have put two by accident.

 

I torque the plug to 30 ft-lbs every time and the washer always sticks to the pan. I rub some oil on it before I install the new and normally takes a fingernail to get it off next oil change.

 

Thank you for all the replies.

Is it important to remove the stuck washer soon? I am ok with frequent oil changes since I am just breaking in the engine, but don’t want to go overboard either.

 

What is recommended for removing te old washer?

I’m currently traveling and don’t have my usual set of tools, and am considering finding a Harbor Freight and purchasing a long screwdriver and hammer. It seems like hitting the washer from the side with the screwdriver would be ok.

 

I use a small sharp putty knife to get my old washer off. It pops right off.

 

Normal, I’ve had to pry the drain plug gasket off the pan on both my 4Runner and Tacoma. Just be careful not to scratch the pan.

 

I have not yet changed my oil on my 2023 ORP, but I did pick up a filter element and the drain plug gasket from Toyota.

 

I just changed my oil for the second time. On the 2nd one, I had the washer stuck there. I used the point of a sharp knife to gently get it off.

 

Mine have stuck tight to the oil pan every time so I have to scrape them off. Good thing they're cheap...buy them on line in packs of 10.

 

Good to know I'm not the only one.

I went to the nearest city with a Harbor Freight and bought these non-marring scraping tools. I don't plan on on scraping the surface, just popping off the gasket from the side.
https://ibb.co/bNrBtZ0

 

I leave mine there waiting on me. It's important to have the washer but I seldom had to replace. It will drip if you don't