Parts for your 2018 Honda Accord-Sump plug washers

2018 Honda Accord sump plug washers

Based on Honda technical sources — the 2018 Accord Owner’s Manual maintenance notes, Honda Service Information, and the Honda genuine parts catalogue — the 2018 Honda Accord is fitted with an engine oil drain bolt that uses a single-use aluminium crush washer (often called a sump plug washer). Honda specifies replacing this washer at each engine oil change and tightening the drain bolt to about 30 lbf·ft (40 N·m).

For the 2018 Accord (including 1.5T, 2.0T and Hybrid variants), the sump plug washer’s job is simple but vital: it creates a reliable seal between the drain bolt and the sump so engine oil doesn’t seep out. The washer is made from soft aluminium and is designed to deform slightly — or “crush” — when torqued, filling tiny gaps and preventing leaks without needing excessive force on the bolt. It also helps protect the sump’s sealing face and the drain bolt threads from damage caused by over-tightening.

Honda’s guidance is to install a new 14 mm aluminium crush washer (genuine Honda washer commonly referenced in dealer catalogues) every time the oil is changed, as the Maintenance Minder calls it. Reusing an old washer can lead to weeping at the plug, stubborn drips on the driveway, and the temptation to overtighten the bolt — which risks stripping threads or distorting the sump. Given how inexpensive the washer is, replacing it each service is a no-brainer.

Good practice for technicians and home mechanics alike includes wiping the sump’s sealing surface clean, removing the old washer from the bolt, fitting a new quality aluminium washer, starting the bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading, and tightening with a torque wrench to around 30 lbf·ft (40 N·m). If a seep is spotted after a service, the fix is a fresh washer and correct torque, not more grunt on the spanner.

Owners can expect the washer to be replaced at every oil service interval. Whether the Accord is driven around town or doing long open-road stretches across Aus or NZ, a fresh crush washer keeps the lubrication system tidy, the underbody clean, and the engine protected.

• Washer type: aluminium crush washer, approx. 14 mm for the drain bolt
• Replace: at every engine oil change
• Tightening torque: about 30 lbf·ft (40 N·m) per Honda service specs

These details align with Honda Owner’s Manual notes, Honda Service Information, and dealer parts catalogues for the 2018 Accord.

Popular questions

What size sump plug washer does a 2018 Honda Accord use?
Honda specifies an aluminium crush washer to suit the engine oil drain bolt — commonly a 14 mm washer used across late-model Hondas. Genuine Honda parts catalogues list a 14 mm aluminium washer for this model. Using the correct size ensures proper crush and a leak-free seal.

Does the sump plug washer really need replacing every service?
Yes. The washer is designed to deform once. Reusing it reduces sealing reliability, which can lead to weeping or drips. Honda’s service guidance calls for a new washer at each oil change, which helps maintain the correct seal without over-tightening the bolt.

What torque should the 2018 Accord sump plug be tightened to?
Honda service information specifies about 30 lbf·ft (40 N·m) for the engine oil drain bolt. Always start the bolt by hand to prevent cross-threading, then finish with a torque wrench. If a leak occurs, fit a fresh washer rather than adding more torque.