Parts for your 2020 Nissan Serena-Sump plug washers

2020 Nissan Serena sump‑plug washers: what they do and when to replace

Based on Nissan’s technical literature for the C27 Serena — notably the Service Manual (LU: Lubrication System) and the Nissan electronic parts catalogue for C27 variants — the engine oil drain plug is designed to be fitted with a replace‑once crush washer (drain plug gasket). The manual calls for a new washer any time the plug is removed and specifies tightening the plug to the set torque. That means sump‑plug‑washers are absolutely used and relevant on the 2020 Nissan Serena, whether it’s the MR20DD S‑HYBRID or the e‑POWER variant with its petrol generator.

On the 2020 Nissan Serena, the sump‑plug‑washer is a small, inexpensive crush gasket — usually aluminium (sometimes copper) — that sits between the oil pan and the drain plug head. When the plug is torqued, the washer deforms slightly to create a reliable seal, keeping engine oil where it should be and helping prevent those annoying drips on the driveway. Nissan’s service documentation makes it clear this gasket is single‑use: once it’s been crushed, it won’t spring back the same way again.

As part of regular servicing, the Serena benefits from a fresh washer at every engine oil change. It’s cheap insurance against seepage and the kind of slow leaks that can dust the underside of the van in oil mist. Typical workshop practice is to replace the washer, clean the mating face on the pan, and tighten the plug to spec (Nissan lists a defined torque in the Serena Service Manual for the drain plug). Over‑tightening can distort the pan face or the washer, under‑tightening can invite leaks — so a torque wrench is the go.

Owners should also note that the Serena’s transmission (CVT) has its own drain/fill plugs with their own specific sealing washers and torque specs, these are separate from the engine sump‑plug‑washer. If ordering parts by VIN, the catalogue will return the correct washer for the exact engine/trans combo fitted to the 2020 model.

• Replace the sump‑plug‑washer at every oil change — don’t reuse.
• Use the correct washer size and material specified for the C27.
• Clean the mating surfaces and tighten to the factory torque.
• After the first drive, have a quick look under the vehicle for any weeping.

Do those simple steps and the Serena’s engine stays tidy, the oil level stays where it should, and servicing remains drama‑free — exactly what’s wanted for family duties across Aus and NZ.

FAQs

Does the 2020 Nissan Serena use a sump‑plug‑washer?

Yes. Nissan’s C27 Serena Service Manual specifies a replace‑once crush washer on the engine oil drain plug. It’s a sealing gasket that’s intended to be renewed every time the plug is removed during an oil change.

What size sump‑plug‑washer does the Serena take?

Most 2020 Serena engines use a 14 mm‑class crush washer common to many Nissan models, typically aluminium. Because there are engine/trans variants (S‑HYBRID MR20DD and e‑POWER), it’s smart to confirm by VIN or engine code so the parts counter supplies the correct washer profile and thickness.

Can the old washer be reused if it looks OK?

It’s not recommended. Crush washers are designed to deform once to seal. Reusing them risks weeping at the plug, uneven torque readings, and potential pan face damage if overtightened trying to “make it seal”. A new washer each service is the easy win.