Parts for your 2013 Holden Commodore-Sump plug washers

2013 Holden Commodore sump plug washers

For the 2013 Holden Commodore (VE Series II and early VF), a sump plug sealing washer is used. GM Service Information (Holden/GM SI) for VE/VF oil-change procedures specifies refitting the drain plug with a sealing washer or an integrated, bonded gasket on the plug, and the Holden Genuine Parts catalogue lists drain plugs supplied with a pre-fitted seal for the 3.0/3.6-litre V6 and 6.0-litre V8 variants. ACDelco parts listings for these engines also note the use of either a crush-type washer (commonly 14 mm) or a plug with a captive rubber/metal seal. That confirms the washer or seal is a relevant service item on this model.

What’s the point of the washer? It’s there to seal the drain plug against the alloy sump, preventing weeps and leaks as the engine heat-cycles. On many Commodores, the plug has a bonded O-ring style seal that compresses once, on others (or when aftermarket plugs are fitted), a separate copper or aluminium crush washer does the job. Either way, the idea is the same: a fresh, deformable seal that takes up tiny imperfections and holds oil under pressure and temperature changes.

Best practice at service time is to replace the washer or the plug’s captive seal at each oil change. GM SI calls for installing a new washer/seal if removed, and to torque the plug correctly. Typical drain plug torque for VE/VF is around 25 N·m, overtightening can distort the washer, crack the sump boss or make the plug hard to remove next time. Under-tightening can leave a slow seep that coats the underbody. If the vehicle has a captive-seal plug and the seal looks nicked, flattened or perished, replace the entire plug. If it uses a separate crush washer, match size to the plug thread (commonly M14 x 1.5 with a 14 mm ID washer) and avoid reusing a flattened washer.

Handy signs the washer needs attention include a damp halo around the plug a few days after a service, the smell of burnt oil on the exhaust, or a plug that loosens too easily when changing oil. A quick visual check at each service, a new washer or sealed plug, and the correct torque keeps the Commodore tidy, leak-free and ready for the next long Kiwi or Aussie road trip.

• Recommended action each oil change: fit a new crush washer or a new sealed drain plug.
• Confirm washer size against engine/plug: most are M14, verify by VIN or parts catalogue.
• Tighten to spec (about 25 N·m) and check for drips after a warm-up.

Popular questions

What size sump plug washer does a 2013 Holden Commodore use?
Most 2013 Commodore engines use an M14 x 1.5 drain plug, so a 14 mm ID crush washer is typical. Some plugs come with a captive, bonded seal instead of a separate washer. It’s smart to confirm by VIN or by measuring the existing plug before purchase.

How often should the sump plug washer be replaced?
At every oil change. GM/Holden service guidance recommends renewing the washer or the plug’s bonded seal each time the plug is removed. It’s a low-cost part that helps prevent annoying leaks and stripped threads from overtightening.

Can the washer be reused if it looks okay?
Not recommended. Crush washers are designed to deform once, and bonded seals harden with heat. Reusing them increases the chance of seepage. If the plug uses a captive seal and it looks marked or flattened, replace the whole plug.