Parts for your 2003 Honda Cr-v-Sump plug washers

2003 Honda CR‑V sump-plug-washers

Yes, the 2003 Honda CR‑V uses a sump plug washer. Honda’s own technical sources—the 2003 CR‑V Owner’s Manual (Maintenance: Engine Oil) and the Honda CR‑V Service Manual for the 2002–2004 K24A engine—state the drain bolt washer should be replaced whenever the plug is removed, and the drain bolt tightened to 39 N·m (29 lbf·ft). Honda’s genuine parts catalogue also lists a 14 mm aluminium crush-type drain plug gasket for this model (often referenced as gasket, drain plug 14 mm, part number 94109‑14000). That makes sump‑plug‑washers directly relevant to routine servicing on a 2003 CR‑V.

On this CR‑V, the sump plug washer is a small but vital seal that sits between the oil pan and the drain bolt. It’s designed to deform slightly—“crush”—as the bolt is tightened, creating a reliable seal that keeps engine oil where it belongs. Without a fresh, correctly sized washer, the drain point can seep, leaving spots on the driveway and, worse, slowly dropping oil levels between services.

Honda specifies replacing the washer at every oil change. It’s inexpensive insurance: a new 14 mm aluminium washer helps achieve the correct seal at the specified torque, so there’s no need to overtighten the bolt (which can damage threads in the alloy sump). Reusing an old, already-compressed washer can lead to weeping, and stacking multiple washers to “make do” is a bad idea—it changes the clamping and risks leaks.

Good practice for a 2003 CR‑V service is straightforward: drain the oil hot, remove the old washer from the bolt, check the bolt head and threads, fit a new 14 mm aluminium crush washer, clean the mating face on the sump, reinstall, and torque the bolt to 39 N·m. Then refill with the correct grade and volume of oil and check for any signs of seepage after the engine has run and cooled.

• Use a quality 14 mm aluminium crush washer (Honda style).
• Do not double up washers, one new washer each service.
• Tighten the drain bolt to 39 N·m—no guesswork, no cheater bars.
• If a previous leak was present, inspect the sump face for nicks before refitting.

Keeping this tiny part on the to‑do list makes every oil change cleaner, keeps the K24 engine happy, and saves the hassle of chasing drips later.

Popular questions about 2003 Honda CR‑V sump-plug-washers

What size washer does the 2003 Honda CR‑V use?
It uses a 14 mm aluminium crush washer for the engine oil drain plug. This is the standard Honda style washer listed in the Honda parts catalogue for this model. When tightened to 39 N·m, the washer deforms to seal the joint properly.

How often should the sump plug washer be replaced?
Replace it at every oil change—typically every 10,000–15,000 km or 12 months in most AU/NZ service schedules, or more often if driving is mostly short trips. Replacing the washer each time greatly reduces the chance of leaks.

Can a copper washer be used instead of aluminium?
A correctly sized 14 mm copper crush washer can work, but Honda specifies an aluminium type for this drain plug. Aluminium crushes predictably at the specified torque. If substituting, ensure it’s a proper crush washer made for drain plugs and verify sealing carefully after the service.