Stupid Question Probably

Pat Anderson

New member
I need to change the oil on my Honda BF150 before heading out to Powell in 10 days. I have not been able to get to a Honda Marine dealer to buy the stupid little copper crush drain plug washer, and I cannot find them online. Since the BF150 is a modified Civic engine, could I just go to NAPA and get the drain plug washer for a Honda Civic? Or does somebody know an equivalent generic washer, size, etc.? Thanks!
 
Pat - since the Civic engine in the car has an oil pan with a plug, I doubt the plug size/washer size is the same as on the boat engine. However, there is probably an equivalent washer that can be found if you know the thickness and the inner and outer diameter. All of these can be measured with a caliper. However, it will probably take less time to go to a Honda dealer than to buy the caliper and find a decent replacement.
 
Well it's not a stupid question but here's a stupid answer. after 6 oil changes on my last two honda 40's I have never replaced the plug washers. I have never added any oil either. Previously on a Honda 40 I never replaced for 10 oil changes. actually i never thought to do it until you brought it up. OOPS!
 
http://www.boats.net/parts/detail/honda ... 2-000.html

Or, I got four of the things and can mail you one in the morning.

They look to be aluminum, though - not copper. As long as the drain plug was not overtightened so the washer got smashed out, it is OK to reuse it (Disclaimer - it has always been thus for me!). But at $1.79 each it is best to buy a few in advance and replace it every time.
 
With my Honda automobile, I change out the drain plug washer maybe every 5 or 6 oil changes... if that. Like Tyboo said as long as you haven't really cranked down on it (you'll see an indentation on it if you have) then you can reuse them without any worries.

-Mark
 
Well, everyone here has made me feel like the total wastrel. I've never replaced the drain plug on a car or the little copper washer on any outboard. Never lost an engine due to that.

Did lose an engine ('41 Ford flathead) when I was too lazy to get under and tighten the plug after it started leaking. But then I was young and single and stupid. Two out of three have changed.

Actually, on the Toyota and Dorf, the drain plug and seal is one piece.

And, Pat, the washer on Journey On's 150 is copper, but not crushable, just solid copper.

Boris
 
Did lose an engine ('41 Ford flathead) when I was too lazy to get under and tighten the plug after it started leaking. But then I was young and single and stupid. Two out of three have changed.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
Alternatively, you can forget the drain plug altogether and use a "top side" oil extractor. I use the Pella (http://www.jerrybleach.com/pelaapplications.html) with great success. It excels for removing oil from the outboard, cars, lawnmowers, etc, etc.

Aspirating the oil through the dipstick tube is the little secret the dealers don't share with us. And, I've checked - you can get out virtually ALL the oil with this method. For the diehards that like to do it the messy, old-fashioned, more-difficult way...well, go ahead and remove the drain plug. That is no longer necessary, though, with an aspirator. I swear by mine!

The kit comes with a spout. So, once the oil is removed, you put on the spout, and pour it into a jug or other suitable container to transport to the recycle center. VERY EASY!!

/david

[I have no commercial interest to disclose; YMMV; void where prohibited; etc]
 
Dave , how the heck could we tell you about it ? We don't know what aspirating means . Now if you had just said suck.................
Marc
 
Wefings":2tihkyxo said:
Dave , how the heck could we tell you about it ? We don't know what aspirating means . Now if you had just said suck.................
Marc

Hello Marc,

Yes, as you so indelicately say, "suck" the oil out of the crankcase. If your outboard hAs a "pee hole" then definatly get the "oil sucker."

Actauly I first got mine before i had a boat to change oil in my Passat TDI which is an entirely "top side" job.

/david
 
If one does use a suction extractor device, it's probably a good idea to at least loosen, lubricate and retighten that plug occasionally just to ensure it remains functional should the need arise.
 
Dave , Ill bet you got the Flomax joke though !And I know some plastic surgeons that specialize in "topside jobs" .If the cooling system is the urinary tract would the forced lubrication system be the circulatory ? I suspect Obfuscation .Whatever floats your boat .....
Marc
 
SGIDave":2sd565af said:
Alternatively, you can forget the drain plug altogether

Now you have to remember that Pat is a lawyer, he reads every word very carefully and is trained to pick out key, important phrases from everything he peruses.

Pat, you cannot "forget the drain plug". You have to put it back in or all the oil will run out, most likely onto the driveway! :mrgreen:
 
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