Just got my first XJ, a 1998 classic 4.0L with AW4 automatic trans. The trans fluid is really dark but doesn't smell burnt so I'm doing the slow trans fluid change process, just draining 3 qts out of the pan at every oil change and refilling. This may be a stupid question but is the metal washer on the trans drain plug a one use crush washer? When I pulled it off the first time the washer seemed kind of deformed and there was a small groove in the washer on the washer to trans pan surface. Do you guys replace this washer with a nylon or rubber washer? I haven't had any leaks yet just reusing the washer. It's these little things that bug me.

 

most of the time you can reuse the washer. the engine oil drain plug also has either a metal washer or rubber washer that is reuseable. But if it bugging you, can can get a new one from either the dealer or your local parts store.

 

Thanks. My oil pan drain plug has a rubber washer, I'll probably replace the trans drain plug washer with something similar. It seems like eventually that metal to metal interface will start to leak.