Parts for your 2004 Honda Accord-Sump plug washers

2004 Honda Accord sump plug washers — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2004 Honda Accord is fitted with a sump plug washer (also called a drain plug crush washer), and it’s a relevant service item. Honda’s own technical literature backs this up: the 2004 Accord Owner’s Manual instructs replacing the drain plug sealing washer at oil changes, the 2003–2007 Accord Service Manual specifies refitting the sump plug with a new washer and torquing to 39 N·m (about 29 lbf·ft), and Honda’s parts catalogue lists the 14 mm aluminium drain plug washer (commonly referenced as P/N 94109-14000) for both the 2.4L i-VTEC and 3.0L V6 models. That’s the official word: the washer is fitted, and it’s meant to be renewed.

On this Accord, the sump plug washer’s job is simple but critical: it deforms slightly when tightened to create a reliable seal between the plug and the alloy sump, keeping engine oil where it belongs and helping prevent thread damage from over-tightening. Being a soft aluminium crush washer, it’s designed for single use. Reusing it can lead to weeping oil, tricky torque readings, and, over time, chewed threads in the sump—none of which is a good time.

For anyone servicing a 2004 Accord, treating the sump plug washer as a small but essential consumable is the go. At each oil and filter change, fit a fresh 14 mm OEM-spec aluminium washer, clean the seating surface on the sump, and tighten the plug to Honda’s spec of 39 N·m. No thread tape, no stacking washers, and no “snug plus a quarter turn”—just a clean surface, the correct washer, and proper torque. That keeps the seal consistent and the sump happy.

There are a few tell-tales that say it’s time for a new washer (aside from the routine change): a slight oil mist or drip around the plug after a service, a washer that looks flattened, gouged, or polished like a coin, or any history of the plug being overtightened to stop a seep. Swapping the washer is cheap insurance compared to repairing a stripped sump thread.

So, as part of regular servicing of a 2004 Honda Accord sump plug washer, the advice is straightforward: replace it every oil change, use the correct 14 mm aluminium crush type, and torque the plug properly. It’s a tiny part that saves big headaches—and it keeps the Accord running clean and tidy, Aussie/Kiwi style.

• Recommended washer: 14 mm aluminium crush washer (Honda OEM-equivalent)
• Torque spec: 39 N·m (29 lbf·ft) on a clean, dry thread and seat
• Replace: Every oil change

FAQs — 2004 Honda Accord sump plug washers

What size sump plug washer does a 2004 Honda Accord use?
The 2004 Accord (both 2.4L and 3.0L) uses a 14 mm aluminium crush washer on the engine oil drain plug. This size matches the plug and sump seat so it deforms correctly to seal without needing extra force.

Sticking with an OEM-equivalent 14 mm aluminium washer avoids leaks and keeps torque readings consistent the next time the plug is removed.

How often should the sump plug washer be replaced on a 2004 Accord?
Honda specifies replacing the washer at every oil change. Because it’s a crush design, it’s meant for single use—once compressed, it won’t spring back to seal reliably a second time.

Replacing it each service is inexpensive and helps protect the sump threads from over-tightening.

Can the old washer be reused if it looks fine?
It’s not recommended. Even if it looks okay, a used crush washer has already deformed, so it may weep or require extra torque to seal, which risks damaging the sump threads.

For the cost of a new washer, it’s smarter to replace it and torque the plug to 39 N·m on a clean seat.