Parts for your 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer-Sump plug washers

2001 Mitsubishi Lancer sump plug washers — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Mitsubishi technical sources, the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer does use a sump plug washer. The Mitsubishi factory service manuals for CE/CK/CS Lancer models (Group 11A/Engine Lubrication) specify a replaceable oil drain plug gasket, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue lists MD050317 (14 mm aluminium) as the sump plug washer for common 2001 Lancer engines (4G15, 4G93, 4G94). That makes the sump plug washer a relevant, serviceable part on this vehicle.

On a 2001 Lancer, the sump plug washer is a small, soft aluminium ring that sits under the oil drain plug head. Its job is simple but critical: it crushes slightly as the plug is tightened, creating a tight seal between the plug and the sump to stop even the tiniest oil weep. Because it deforms to seal, it’s designed as a consumable. Reusing a flat or scored washer can lead to slow drips, a messy undercarriage, or over-tightening the plug to chase a seal—which risks stripping the sump threads.

Best practice is to fit a new washer at every oil change. For most Aussie and Kiwi Lancer owners, that’s typically every 10,000–15,000 kilometres or 6–12 months, depending on service schedule and driving conditions. The washer is inexpensive, easy to carry as a spare, and far cheaper than dealing with a leak.

When servicing, clean the sump face and plug, pop on the new washer, and hand-start the plug to avoid cross-threading. Tighten to the specified torque from the factory manual (commonly in the 30–40 N·m range for Lancer drain plugs, many manuals cite about 39 N·m—always confirm for the exact engine). After a short drive, have a quick look underneath for any sign of seepage.

Copper washers are sometimes used as an alternative, but aluminium is the OE style for this Lancer. If an aftermarket magnetic plug is fitted, use the correct-size crush washer supplied or an OE-equivalent. Don’t add thread sealants or tape—if the mating faces are clean and the correct washer is used, the joint will seal properly without extras.

• Replace the washer at each oil change.
• Use the correct size: 14 mm ID aluminium (Mitsubishi MD050317) for most 2001 Lancers.
• Tighten to the factory torque, don’t overtighten.
• If a leak persists, inspect the washer, plug head and sump threads for damage.

What size sump plug washer does a 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer use?

Most 2001 Lancer variants use a 14 mm inside-diameter aluminium crush washer, Mitsubishi part number MD050317. This suits the common M14 x 1.5 drain plug used on 4G15, 4G93 and 4G94 engines. If the car’s had an aftermarket sump or plug fitted, always measure or confirm by VIN before buying.

How often should the sump plug washer be replaced?

It should be replaced every oil change. Because the washer crushes to seal, reusing it can cause weeping or force overtightening. Keeping a couple of spares on hand is a smart move for DIY servicing.

What torque should the sump plug be tightened to on a 2001 Lancer?

Factory manuals for this generation typically specify around 39 N·m for the oil drain plug. Always check the exact spec for the engine code in the vehicle, and tighten with a torque wrench to avoid stripped threads or leaks.