Used rubber O ring instead of crush washer

[hz293]

When changing my oil in my Alpa 1Outdrive I lost the crush washer that's used in the lower unit. . I had a rubber O ring that fit perfectly so I used that. I now have a replacement crush washer so do I need to change the O ring for the crush washer or wait till the next time I change the oil in my Outdrive.

 

[wahlejim]

Personally I would change it now. It is my understanding that the crush washer also acts as a lock washer to prevent the plug from unscrewing. The o-ring will not provide any sort of slip resistance for the plug itself... and call me crazy, but I like to use parts as they are intended, especially when it takes all of 20 seconds to switch it out....

 

[fieromx3]

i would change it. just take the drain plug off and plug it up with something real quick and swap the washer over. the fluid drains so slow anyway you wont lose any, its worth to quickly change it over to ensure you wont leak any oil

 

[Alumarine]

i would change it. just take the drain plug off and plug it up with something real quick and swap the washer over. the fluid drains so slow anyway you wont lose any, its worth to quickly change it over to ensure you wont leak any oil

Or put a new washer on a spare plug (you should have one) and use that.

 

[fishrdan]

Change it... Also, buy a pack of the blue crush washers and change it every time the plug is removed, they are a 1-time use item. Cheap insurance.