Parts for your 1991 Nissan Primera-Sump plug washers

1991 Nissan Primera sump plug washers — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 1991 Nissan Primera (P10, GA16DE and SR20DE engines) uses a sump plug washer. This is confirmed by Nissan’s factory service manual for the Primera P10 (Engine Mechanical section), which specifies refitting the drain plug with a new gasket at each oil change. Nissan’s parts catalogue lists a 14 mm crush-type drain plug gasket (commonly referenced as 11026-01M02) for these engines, and the Haynes manual for Nissan Primera 1990–1999 echoes the same “fit new washer” instruction. So, it’s absolutely relevant to the 1991 Primera.

The sump plug washer is a small, soft-metal ring (usually aluminium or copper) that sits under the oil drain plug. When the plug is tightened, the washer “crushes” slightly to form a tight seal between the plug and the sump. That crush action takes up tiny imperfections in the mating surfaces and keeps engine oil from weeping out over time. On an older P10, where surfaces may have a touch of wear, that crush washer is doing plenty of heavy lifting to keep the driveway clean and the engine happy.

Best practice, as per the service literature, is to replace the sump plug washer at every oil change. They’re designed as single-use items, once crushed, they don’t spring back to provide the same sealing force next time. Reusing an old washer can lead to slow drips, a plug that needs over-tightening to seal, or—worst case—stripped threads in the alloy sump.

During servicing of a 1991 Nissan Primera, a tidy approach looks like this: drain the oil warm, bin the old washer, clean the plug and sump seating face, fit a new 14 mm crush washer, and torque the plug correctly. Nissan’s typical spec for these engines sits around 34–44 N·m, always check the exact figure in the service manual for your engine code. Hand-start the plug to avoid cross-threading, torque it evenly, then refill with the correct grade and capacity of oil. After a quick run, check for any weeping around the plug—no sheen should be visible.

Choosing washers? Go genuine where you can, or quality aftermarket equivalents that match the 14 mm size and crush style. Keep a small pack on the shelf so every oil change is a no-fuss swap. It’s a cheap little part that prevents leaks, keeps oil where it belongs, and saves you from chasing annoying drips down the track.

• Replace the washer at every oil change (single-use crush type).
• Clean mating surfaces, never seal over grit or old washer remnants.
• Tighten to the correct torque—no need to swing off the spanner.

Popular questions about 1991 Nissan Primera sump plug washers

What size sump plug washer does a 1991 Nissan Primera use?
The P10 Primera typically uses a 14 mm crush washer on the drain plug. Genuine Nissan listings commonly reference a 14 mm aluminium washer (often catalogued under 11026-01M02) used across GA and SR-series engines. If in doubt, match to the plug’s thread size (M14) or check the service manual for your specific engine code.

How often should the sump plug washer be replaced?
Every oil change. It’s a soft, single-use crush washer that deforms to seal once. Reusing it can lead to slow leaks or the temptation to over-tighten the plug, which risks damaging the sump threads—especially on an alloy pan.

What torque should the sump plug be tightened to on a 1991 Primera?
Plan for roughly 34–44 N·m, depending on engine. Always confirm the exact figure in the factory service manual for your engine (GA16DE or SR20DE). Start the plug by hand, fit a new washer, torque it evenly, then check for any signs of weeping after the refill and a short run.