I noticed I am missing a washer on my oil pan plug. Is that a necessary component? I think I been missing it for sometime now and I have 19k miles on it.

 

Have you ever noticed any oil leaks under the truck? I've seen some plugs that don't have any washers on them. Not even sure if my 05 SCrew FX4 has a washer on the plug. i'll check today though.

 

Those are usually metal washers and are no different than seating the drain plug against the pan itself. Just make sure the the pan is wiped clean around the drain hole, and clean the plug real good making sure the plug is flat where it sits against the pan. I have had other vehicles with or without the washer and have had no problems with any of them. My '05 F150 does have the washer on the plug by the way. You shouldn't have any problems, put some cardboard under the pan everynight and keep an eye on it. Hope this helps.

 

I don't think there is a washer. The bolt head is flattened and seals against the reinforced area of the pan thread. Have made at least 10 oil changes on my 04 so far and there are no leaks.

 

Sounds like your good to go

 

There is a O-ring on the drain plug that seals it. If it was missing it would be leaking.

 

Yup, my 05 has a rubber o-ring attached to the drain plug.

 

Thats funny, mine has the metal washer. And it doesn't leak.

 

Most all new trucks have a drain plug with a built-in rubber o ring. They don't use conventional flat washers anymore. When the plugs start leaking, you have to get a new one.