Parts for your 2017 Holden Commodore-Sump plug washers

2017 Holden Commodore sump-plug-washers

Yes, a sump-plug-washer is used on the 2017 Holden Commodore. Holden’s VF Series II (MY17) service procedures in the Engine Mechanical – Lubrication section specify refitting the engine oil drain plug with a sealing washer and tightening to the prescribed torque. GM Global Service Information for the VF platform calls for replacing the sealing washer if crushed or damaged and lists a 25 N·m tightening torque for the drain plug on both V6 and V8 variants. The ACDelco parts catalogue for VF/VF II also lists a dedicated engine oil drain plug gasket for 3.6L and 6.2L engines, confirming the use of a washer or an integrated sealing ring on the plug.

For owners and workshops looking after a 2017 Holden Commodore, the sump-plug-washer is a small, inexpensive part that does a big job: it seals the drain plug against the sump to prevent weeps and drips after an oil change. Depending on the engine, the vehicle may use either a crush-style aluminium/copper washer or a plug with a captive, bonded rubber/nylon seal. Both styles rely on slight deformation to form a fluid-tight seal when torqued correctly.

As part of routine servicing, it’s best practice to replace the washer at each oil change if it’s a conventional crush type. If the plug has a bonded seal, inspect it closely—replace the plug (or the serviceable seal, where available) if the ring is flattened, nicked, or hardened. Service literature for the VF Series II advises cleaning the sump’s sealing face, fitting the correct washer, and tightening the drain plug to 25 N·m. Over-tightening risks stripping threads in alloy sumps or splitting the washer, under-tightening can leave a slow leak.

• Inspect after the first warm run: any fresh oil smear around the plug means it’s time to recheck torque and likely replace the washer.
• Match the washer to the engine variant: the V6 and LS3 V8 use different plug sizes, the parts catalogue will show the correct dimension.
• Avoid thread sealants or tape—factory design relies on the washer, not goop, for sealing.

It’s a cheap bit of insurance: keeping a couple of correct sump-plug-washers on hand makes every service smoother, cleaner, and kinder to the Commodore’s sump threads.

FAQs

Does a 2017 Holden Commodore need a new sump-plug-washer at every oil change?
For crush-type washers, yes—replace each service. If the plug uses a bonded captive seal, inspect it each time and replace the plug or seal if it’s flattened, cracked, or leaking. This aligns with Holden/GM service guidance that specifies a sealing washer on refit.

What’s the correct torque for the sump plug on a 2017 Commodore?
GM/Holden service information for VF Series II specifies 25 N·m for the engine oil drain plug. Torqueing to spec helps the washer seal without damaging the threads or the washer.

How can I tell which washer my Commodore needs?
Check the plug: a loose metal washer suggests a crush type, a plug with a bonded rubber/nylon ring indicates an integrated seal. The ACDelco parts catalogue for VF/VF II lists the correct gasket or plug by engine (V6 or LS3 V8) and VIN.