Should there be a washer on the outboard engine oil drain plug?

marcberoz · #1 10-23-2012

I am changing the engine oil on my 4 stroke 6 hp Nissan outboard. This is the 1st 4 stoke I've owned. I was surprised that there was no washer on the drain plug. Should there be one there?
Thanks for your help.
Marc

MarkSF · #2 10-23-2012

Parts lists are here :

Nissan Outboard Parts

marcberoz · #3 10-23-2012

Thanks Mark. That answers my question and a whole lot more!
It does require a washer. Washer is cheap enough but hate to spend 8.95 for S&H. Think I'll look around the hardware store for something that will do the trick. Thanks again.
Marc

dabnis · #4 10-23-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcberoz

Thanks Mark. That answers my question and a whole lot more!
It does require a washer. Washer is cheap enough but hate to spend 8.95 for S&H. Think I'll look around the hardware store for something that will do the trick. Thanks again.
Marc

Generally, drain plug washers are made of what appears to be soft aluminum.
The specs for all of my engines say not to re-use the old ones. I order them in bunches, helps with the shipping costs. Not good to have the plug leak or fall out, suggest you use a new one each time. In the big scheme of things $8.95 is not too much compared to $1,600 for a new motor if the plug falls out.

Paul T

hellosailor · #5 10-23-2012

Mark-
Drain plug washers seem to be the children of some random engineering god. Onceuponatime we all managed to live without them. Smooth metal bore on smooth metal, end of story. Now everyone seems to want to SELL expensive replacements but, wtf, it is only a gasket or a crush washer, however you want to look at it. Nylon, neoprene, cork, soft metal...I'd go to the local NAPA store with the drain plug and ask 'em for a couple of drain plug washers that fit around it. Being a boat, maybe nix the aluminum and copper and find a synthetic.

Definitely NOT a ten dollar part, no matter what it is protecting.

marcberoz · #6 10-24-2012

I'll be looking for one today. I'll be passing a marina with a pretty good parts department so I'll likely pick up a washer or two there.
Thanks