Oil Pan Washer or Bung

[Reaper19]

I've owned my 2009 Pontic Vibe GT (Red Hot Metallic) with the (2.4 liter engine) since it was new. Originally had all oil changes completed at the dealer until the 3yr/36K warranty was over, then started changing my own oil. Since changing the oil I've never seen a washer for the oil pan drain plug fall off, other than what I though was a permanent one on the oil pan. I've wondered if what I see on the pan is a stuck washer all these years or the bung and I needed to purchase washers. I have never had any leaks from the drain plug either after changing oil and not adding a washer. Before completing an oil change this weekend (mileage 90,932) I stopped at my local Toyota dealership and picked up 10 Toyota drain plug washers (blue).

Before changing the oil this time I did some research on the Generation Vibe Forum as well as searching Google. There was no clear answer whether the oil pan requires a new blue washer or if what I am seeing all these years on the oil pan is in fact a stuck washer or bung? If it is a bung on the pan, should I add the blue Toyota washer the next time? I'd like to see if anyone on the forum has experienced the same questions and have answered them?

I've attached a few pictures of what I am seeing, the washer/bung that will not come off as well as holding up a new blue washer on top of the oil pand washer/bung.

Thank you

Reaper19

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[jolt]

Take a screw drive and tap the side of that washer off the oil pan. The oil pan should be flat with no bung or bulge around the drain hole in the oil pan.

I have used sealing washers on drain plugs made from aluminum, plastic, gasket material, but my preferred choice is copper. I do not change this unless it is leaking. Changing this is more of a sales add on for the oil change shops and not a real need, unless it is leaking. The plastic washers do wear out from compression and can crack, which causes a leak.

[Mark]

Like Jolt said, I would use a screwdriver to pop that off, but then I would replace it with a Fumoto drain valve https://www.fumotousa.com/cars-pickups- ... -4l-4-cyl-. Never worry about the washer again. Have one on every vehicle I own.

[Reaper19]

Thanks for reviewing and recommendations. I'll move forward with trying to knock that original factory washer off on the next oil change.