Asked for a sump plug washer - got the whole bolt ?

[greenacc]

So whats the story here. I thought they should have new washers for the plug for $1 max, but was told to just replace the whole plug with new washer fitted cos its cheaper !!? WTF. so the guy sold me the new plug and washer for $10, and a genuine filter for $10.
I guess in a workshop charging $100 per hour you don't want the mechanic mucking round with plug washers, but surely holden must sell the washers to the average Joe doing an oil change at home. If not, where can i buy the washers seperately ?

[HEXEM]

You can get the little black/grey sump plug washer seperately. But they are right, it costs about the same for the whole bolt with washer. The only difference is the washer on the bolt is a harder blue plastic type where are the grey one is more flexible and I think it seals better.

Anyway the washer your after is about $8 each. Part No. GM-03536966 from your local holden parts department.

Cheers

[TinSnips]

crikey! Pricey for a washer!

[acarmody]

Why would you go to Holden for a washer? That's what your local nut and bolt shop is for.

[Sabbath']

It's much of a muchness on the price. Just be happy they gave you the best value for money. You got a new bolt and washer for less than what they could have charged you for just the washer.

[VYMAD]

Don't know about VE's, but a washer for the VY is obtainable without buying the whole bolt and is one or two bucks.

[greenacc]

VYMAD, thats exactly what i thought.
Why would they design a bolt that needs a friggin $8 washer, when every other car i've ever worked on could either use a $1 from the dealer, or a 10cent orange fibre washer from the tin me Grandad gave me that he bought in the 60's.
Just seems like we might be going overboard here thats all.

[HoldenOnn]

I only use genuine parts for the servicing that I carry out on my VZ Calais V6 and my Parents VE Berlina V6. From memory, the parts are the same. I always buy a new sump plug washer but it's not necessary for every oil change.

Details as per my last invoice (13/4/11) for the VZ Calais parts;

Part No: 03536966 - Seal Oil (Sump Plug Rubber Washer) - $10.20 RRP ----- $5.50 Trade Price
Part No: 92149006 - Oil Filter (Includes O-ring) - $15.30 RRP ----- $9.50 Trade Price
Part No: 92068161 - Air Cleaner - $18.10 RRP ----- $10.05 Trade Price

[greenacc]

interesting prices, there always seems to be some variablility in Holdens spares pricing. Maybe someone can explain it but i reckon whoever is doing the sale at the time just decides if you are a nice guy or a muppet, and give you either trade, full retail or something in between. The $20 it cost me for the oil filter and sump bolt/washer was hardly overpriced, I just don't believe that a plastic / rubber washer in any material is worth anything like $8-10 dollars or worth replacing the bolt for. Even if it's made from Silicone rubber worth $100 per kilo and each washer uses 5 grams of rubber thats 50cents worth of material ( and i doubt tis a $100 per kilo compound ).
Ah well, I work in the rubber industry hence the rant, so i guess i'll just knock something up myself next time.

[revinR1]

I replaced a sump washer back in the mid 90`s on my old Hilux. used a new fibre type tap washer that fitted and worked.Cant say I`ve ever replaced one before or after that lol

[Bravotwozero]

If you're paying $8 for a washer you're an idiot!

[MR_VX]

Holden always sells me a wash seperate to the bolt when i buy oil/filter for a service i do myself on my vx

[calais24/7]

Well i used to get them for .80c for my vl from autopro, if it makes you feel any better

[mint]

Why would you go to Holden for a washer? That's what your local nut and bolt shop is for.

The local nut and bolt shop will want to sell him a box of 100 probably..

Even at clerk's rates you've spent way more than $8 on the washer here..

I think I'd rather just get it from Holden. (I surprise myself sometimes).

[Dr HaxZaw]

i remember reading an article a few months ago that had a quote from some car company (cant remember who) but they essentially said they charge what they think the area the dealer is in will be willing to pay... apparently thats why it was cheaper out blacktown than in northern sydney

dunno how true it is but it might be some explination as to why the prices would vary so much

[Jonno]

wreckers? :P

[acarmody]

The local nut and bolt shop will want to sell him a box of 100 probably..

Even at clerk's rates you've spent way more than $8 on the washer here..

I think I'd rather just get it from Holden. (I surprise myself sometimes).

I use my local nut and bolt shop to buy 1 or 2 bolts all the time, no hassles at all. Of course I'm polite and always let the tradies do their orders first.