Question for those that do their own oil changes

**ct9a** · 10-17-2008, 05:10 PM

Ok, so the time has come for me to perform my first oil change on my Suburban. I have always changed my own oil on all of my vehicles, so I know what the procedure is.

I've always used drain plug gaskets from the dealership (working in a dealership I found these always worked best), but when I called the GM dealership for a price today they told me ~$4!

Is this right? This is the first GM I've owned in more than 10 years, and it's the first V8 I've ever owned. Most of my cars have been Honda/Acuras and the gasket for those are ~ $0.70 from the dealer.

So, my question is: What do you use? Do you pony up the extra cash for the dealership brand, or do you use the ribbed nylon ones from Checkers or other parts store? If you go to the parts store, what kind are you using and how is it working out for you?

**zach45** · 10-17-2008, 06:06 PM

i dident use one..
come to think of it i used the one on there again..

**ftwken** · 10-17-2008, 08:42 PM

Sounds like to me they are pricing a drain plug for you.. If the gasket is not to worn why replace it at this time.. The main thing I believe is dont over tighten the drain plug.

**zach45** · 10-17-2008, 09:00 PM

i agree with above

**MrShorty** · 10-17-2008, 11:21 PM

Here's what was on mine when I bought my '98: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...pe=797&PTSet=A It fell apart when I pulled the drain plug off. Replaced with the same part. Sealed up fine, but fell apart again on the next oil change. I can't remember for sure, but I think I went with this once more before buying a nylon gasket. Nylon gasket was a lot cheaper, sealed up just fine, and has continued to seal up after each oil change just fine. IMO, these OEM rubber ones are too expensive, and they only survive one oil change. The nylon ones work just fine and are a lot cheaper.

**zach45** · 10-17-2008, 11:38 PM

1.10 pounds to ship it.... lol

**MWright936** · 10-18-2008, 10:43 AM

I've changed my oil a couple times now and haven't had to replace the gasket yet. I examine it closely each time, and it's in great shape. No leaks or anything, so I think it's good. I looked on O'Reilly's site and they sell for about $4 there, but AutoZone has them for $2.

**CarpenterGuy** · 10-18-2008, 11:14 AM

lol, i didn't know you had to change a gasket on the drain plug. I actually didn't know there was a gasket on there. I've been getting away with this without any leaks, so i dont think you really even need one.

**tbplus10** · 10-18-2008, 01:37 PM

I buy packages of teflon drain plug gaskets from Auto Zone for about $4 (5 to a pack), been doing this for over 20 years and havent had a problem with leaks.
OEM is usually overpriced. If you have a friend with a buisiness they can sometimes get a "Jobbers" price for parts. The dealerships I deal with usually run cost plus 10% for jobbers.

**Misawan** · 10-18-2008, 04:10 PM

I am glad you posted this reply so I am not the only one that didn't know there was one there. I've changed my own a few times now and never even noticed it. I've never had a leak so I guess its ok! I am just about to do mine today. Now that I know about it, I am sure there will be problems. It always works that way.