Oil Change WASHER?

[gs50000e]

The last 3 times I have changed the oil I just did it.  This time I read the book.  The book says that the main drain bolt has a washer which needs to be replaced everytime you change the oil.  I have never seen one of these.  Does anybody know where to get them or if they are necessary?  Thanks  Dilly

[JamesG]

hehe  I guess not..

You should put a washer on it because it keeps the bolt from galling the surface of the drain plug opening. THis could cause a leak, BUT having a washer on there gives oil twice the opportunity to leak out...

so I think the "replace the washer everytime you change oil" is a bit of CYA by Suzuki.

[Tincan]

I replaced my oil and filter about 500 mi. ago and did not
replace my drain plug washer nor my oil filter cover's
rubber gasket.  No leaks yet.
I might mention though this was the bike's first oil
change, I might not get away with it the next oil change.

[JamesG]

Naw, I've done dozens of oil changes on my GS race bikes alone. I've never changed the washer and never had any leaks.

[Bob Broussard]

There is a washer on the drain bolt from the factory. You couldn't get it off the bolt if you wanted too.
I've never had a problem re-using it.

[gs50000e]

No.  I don't even have a washer on there.  Is that ok?

[KevinC]

Nope, it should have a washer. They are about 25 cents, so go for it. It will weep oil without a washer, and you'll develop pox on your genitals.

I actually change my washers occasionally, when I have an extra kicking around. They are something soft, and as Bob noted, eventually sort of extrude themselves into the recess on the bolt and are hard to get off. A new one slips right on, and possibly off after only one tightening.

I'd get one before the next oil change.

[bbanjo]

Three drains on my '02 and no leaks from my washer. Use it up.

[gsJack]

I've never changed the washer in 300,000 miles on 5 bikes.  Got almost 76,000 on the GS with more than 25 oil changes already.  Washer looks ok to me.  My old CM400A must have close to 50 changes in the 98,000 miles on it.  That washer still looked good too, last time I changed the oil.

[Richard UK]

Like the others say, I've never had a problem re-using the old one.  Always tighten it to the specified torque.  If you need to replace it, use something soft like a copper or ally washer, not steel.

[snapper]

I didn't have the washer either... got one for the last change.  25 cents is right on the mark.  I didn't leak before and I don't seem to leaking now.  My problem is they always seem to out of the friggin O-rings!  Mine is ok- but I want a new one soon!