I don't see any down side especially you plan to change them again very
soon. The flat washer will just be fine as long as you tighten it snug.

- Vince

http://gipsyflies.home.comcast.net
1989 Vanagon GL Camper
1993 Mazda Miata
1996 Land Rover Discovery
2005 Mini Cooper S (almost here)

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Marc Perdue
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 5:31 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: OEM oil filter and drain plug washer

I've noted that many recommend the copper crush ring washers on the oil
drain plug and the use of Mann or Mahle oil filters.  Due to lack of
foresight and/or time, I had to get an OEM oil filter and drain plug
ring from the local dealer.  Nobody here (locally) carries the Mann
and/or Mahle filters and I don't know about the copper crush rings.  The
OEM washer is not a crush ring but is solid instead.  Is there any real
downside to going ahead and using these OEM parts on my new engine?  I'm
at the 500 mile point and will be changing the oil again at 1,000 miles.
At that point I will be sure to get the Mann filter and copper crush
ring.

Thanks for any and all advice on this.
Marc Perdue