Parts for your 2018 Subaru Exiga-Sump plug washers

2018 Subaru Exiga sump plug washers

Based on Subaru factory documentation and parts catalogues, a sump plug washer is absolutely used on the 2018 Subaru Exiga (including Exiga Crossover 7 variants). The Subaru Factory Service Manual for FB/EJ engines instructs replacing the oil drain plug gasket at every oil change, and the Subaru Global/Dealer Parts Catalogue lists the drain plug gasket (commonly aluminium crush washer, e.g., Subaru Genuine Part No. 803916010, which supersedes older numbers) for Exiga models of this era. Subaru dealer oil-change kits for FB/EJ engines also include a new drain plug washer, reinforcing that it’s a required, single-use sealing item.

For the 2018 Exiga, the sump plug washer’s job is simple but critical: it crushes slightly as the drain plug is torqued, forming a tight seal between the steel plug and the alloy sump. That prevents weeping, helps maintain correct clamp load without overtightening, and saves the softer sump threads from damage. Subaru uses an aluminium crush washer matched to the drain plug’s 14 mm thread, and the service literature specifies replacing it every time the oil is changed.

Best practice for servicing goes like this:

• Use a new genuine or quality aftermarket aluminium crush washer at every oil change (typical Subaru interval in AU/NZ is around 10,000 km or 12 months—follow the handbook).
• Clean the sump’s sealing face and the plug head, start the plug by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten to the factory torque (around 44 N·m for many FB/EJ engines—confirm by VIN/engine code in the workshop manual). Don’t “gorilla” it, the washer does the sealing.
• Run the engine, then check for any seepage. A dry sump after a short drive is what you want.

Signs the washer needs attention include oil mist around the plug, a damp sump, or a washer that looks scored or flattened from prior use. Reusing an old washer can lead to slow leaks, messy undertrays, and even stripped sump threads if someone keeps cranking tighter to chase a seal. There’s no need for thread sealant or tape—Subaru design relies on the crush washer. If a magnetic drain plug is fitted, still use the correct crush washer and the same torque procedure.

Tech references: Subaru Factory Service Manual (Engine Lubrication section) for FB/EJ engines, Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue listing drain plug gasket for Exiga/Crossover 7, Subaru dealer service procedures that specify “replace drain plug gasket” at each oil change.

Popular questions

What size sump plug washer does a 2018 Subaru Exiga use?
The Exiga uses a 14 mm aluminium crush washer that mates to the standard Subaru oil drain plug. A common genuine part number is 803916010. The plug’s head size can vary, but the thread and sealing face suit that 14 mm crush washer.

Choosing a genuine or high-quality equivalent keeps the seal predictable and prevents annoying drips after a service.

Can the washer be reused on the Exiga?
No. It’s a single-use crush washer. Once compressed, it won’t reliably reseal. Reusing it risks weeping oil and can tempt overtightening, which is how sump threads get damaged.

They’re inexpensive, so replacing one at every oil change is cheap insurance for a clean driveway and a healthy alloy sump.

What’s the correct torque for the Exiga’s drain plug?
Most Subaru FB/EJ engines call for about 44 N·m on the oil drain plug. Always verify against the specific engine code and workshop manual for the vehicle’s VIN just to be sure.

If a torque wrench isn’t available, snug the plug, then tighten a little further—don’t overdo it. The new washer provides the seal.