After my oil and filter change, I retrieved the bolt from the bottom of the drain pan and noticed a large flange but not a crushable gasket on it. Do '05 330s need a crush gasket? If so, is the stealership the only place to get it?

Gary

 

Yes the bolt head has fairly large face. One has to ensure that the old washer is not stuck to the bolt or (most of the time) to the pan. [you can potetially spring a leak if you have 2 washers]

Lexus uses metalic crush washer. You can, in theory, replace the washer with plastic/nylon/fiber but you may have to experiment with the torque.

If you are replacing the oil yourself you are already way ahead and a cost of $1 (my guess) for the washer is merely noise.

Also you can save by taking the fresh oil to the dealer instead of purchasing it from them.

Salim

 

I change the oil myself and pay $1 for the washer every oil change

 

It has been my understanding the gasket also acts as a spacer, to prevent the plug from bottoming into the nut welding to the inside of the pan. If it does, there is a tendency to twist the nut free or/and warp the pan itself. Then, it either leaks or strips the threads.
I change my oil frequently and tired of going to the dealer for a $.80 gasket. Instead, I've purchased 12mm copper gaskets, glued two together for factory spacer thickness and now reuse the copper seal with no leaks. I torque the plug with the copper to 30 Ft Lb. The copper is much better than nylon or aluminum, since it fails to flatten out or crush and is soft enough to seal the steel plug.

 

All the power to the folks who find alternatives to the "manufacturers reccomendation".

For me, it is not worth the risk of a slow oil leak in the garage or a major one while driving.


Salim