The Nissan Path

So I was reading the service manual RacerZx was kind enough to post and the section about changing the motor oil was very specific about installing a new washer when re-plugging the oil pan. Then below is stated in BOLD BE SURE TO INSTALL A NEW WASHER.

Does anybody actually install a new washer? Anybody know what size the washer is? I think there is something listed in the service manual but it was greek to me. I'd rather pick up a few before I drain all the oil out of the motor and then find out I HAVE to get a new one.

Also, can you really access the oil filter through that little hole Nissan had the bright idea to cut into the front skid plate?

Yeah I saw another discussion on the washers. I personally use nylon ones I find at the auto store here. As for the the little oil filter access I just drop the skid plate and it takes maybe an hour when i'm taking my time.

I have never replaced the washer, 50k miles and no issues. I remove the access cover in the skid plate to let the oil from the filter drain out. I reach around the skid plate to remove and install the oil filter.

When I bought ATF at my Nissan dealer, they gave me about 10 of the copper crush washers, but to buy them, they are cheap anyway.

You can find them on line for $.70 or get them from the dealer for $1.00. I know it seems petty but if the instructions say to do it you should.

I generally don't replace my washer after every oil change. The copper washers tend to last a while. I would hesitate to use a Nylon washer. Nylon cold creeps over time and will eventually loose its compressive nature. The end result will be a leak, or worse, your plug backs out because there is no compression on the threads and you'll have a much larger problem.