Oil Change Glitch

skipper20 · Post by **skipper20** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 4:35 pm

I asked my adult son to change the oil on my 150 Blackjack while I was away on a trip and a small problem has developed. I was confident he could do it as he owns an Aprilia 200 Scarabeo and has done numerous oil changes with no problems. Anyway, and leaving out all the reasons why, the drain plug was put back in minus its gasket. And yes, it's leaking oil. We've looked all over the garage floor but the gasket seems to have evaporated into thin air. So, the question is what's a good substitute? Fiber washer? Steel washer? Chewing gum? Any and all inputs will be sincerely appreciated. Thanks!

Bill in Seattle

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 5:11 pm

You need an aluminum crush washer on that plug. If you take the plug to any MC store, they should have one that fits. Could even try Ace hardware; they carry a ton of specialty hardware.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 5:26 pm

You should really change the crush washer anyway.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 6:21 pm

Dooglas wrote:You should really change the crush washer anyway.

Yeah, probably should. I never do. Never have leaks.

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 8:05 pm

Tocsik wrote:
Dooglas wrote:You should really change the crush washer anyway.
Yeah, probably should. I never do. Never have leaks.

I usually flip 'em over for a second use and then replace. That's for oil. When it comes to the crush washers for the banjo bolts on the brakes I replace them whenever I have to disconnect the lines, which is usually once in a blue moon.

ModernMike · Post by **ModernMike** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 8:23 pm

charlie55 wrote:
Tocsik wrote:
Dooglas wrote:You should really change the crush washer anyway.
Yeah, probably should. I never do. Never have leaks.
I usually flip 'em over........

How does that work?

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:16 pm

ModernMike wrote:
charlie55 wrote:
Tocsik wrote: Yeah, probably should. I never do. Never have leaks.
I usually flip 'em over........

How does that work?

Haven't had any problems so far. The way I figure it, the two sides of the washer should have different crush patterns after the first use - one side has the impression of the bolt head/flange, and the other has the impression of the case surface.

Even though they're cheap enough to replace every time, I take a calculated risk with the oil drain. As long as it's torqued to spec, I figure the worst that could happen is a small leak. Since I check for leaks before each ride, there's not much chance of me losing all the oil and blowing the engine. The brakes lines are another story, with no room for error.

skipper20 · Post by **skipper20** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 1:58 am

Tocsik wrote:You need an aluminum crush washer on that plug. If you take the plug to any MC store, they should have one that fits. Could even try Ace hardware; they carry a ton of specialty hardware.

Thanks for your input and thanks also to the others who responded. Right after I started this thread, I thought "What the heck, why don't I just call my local Buddy dealer and see what they use when they do an oil change". So, I did and their Parts Dept. guy said they use a soft copper washer. And to date, no complaints from any of their customers re. oil leakage. They're about 25 miles south of me but I was going in that direction anyway and I do like to kick tires on their showroom floor so I stopped and bought 2 copper washers at $2.00 each. the 2nd one as a spare. So, case closed and thanks again to all who responded.

Bill in Seattle