What Size Crush Washer for 2016 Chrysler 300?

If you’re tackling an oil change or any other task that requires removing the drain plug or replacing a component in your 2016 Chrysler 300, one small but crucial piece of the puzzle is the crush washer. While it might seem like a minor detail, using the wrong size crush washer can lead to leaks, which could cause more serious problems down the road. So, what size crush washer for 2016 Chrysler 300 should you be using? Let’s dive into the details.

What is a Crush Washer?

Before we talk about the exact size of the crush washer for your 2016 Chrysler 300, it’s helpful to understand what this small part actually does. A crush washer is a soft, usually copper or aluminum washer placed between two mating surfaces, like the drain plug and the oil pan, to ensure a tight seal. When tightened, the washer “crushes” slightly to conform to the surface and prevent leaks from developing.

The key thing to know is that crush washers are designed to be used once. After removal, they need to be replaced because they lose their ability to create a proper seal. Reusing a crush washer can lead to leaks, so always ensure you have the correct replacement part.

What Size Crush Washer for 2016 Chrysler 300?

The 2016 Chrysler 300 requires a specific size crush washer to ensure a proper seal, especially when performing an oil change. The correct size is typically dependent on the specifications of the drain plug used in the vehicle’s oil pan.

For most Chrysler 300 models from 2015 to 2021, including the 2016 model, the crush washer size is 14mm in diameter and 1.5mm in thickness. This size is standard for the oil drain plug in most Chrysler 300 models with the 3.6L V6 engine.

Common Sizes for Other Chrysler 300 Models

Though 14mm is the standard size for the 2016 Chrysler 300, it’s important to note that not all Chrysler 300 models have the same size crush washer. For example, some models with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine might require a slightly different size.

• 3.6L V6 Engine: 14mm x 1.5mm
• 5.7L V8 Engine: 16mm x 2mm

Always verify the size of the drain plug and check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you get the right part. Many auto parts stores or online retailers will list the size of the crush washer based on the model year and engine type.

Why Size Matters

Using the correct crush washer size for 2016 Chrysler 300 is crucial for a few reasons:

1. Prevents Leaks: A properly sized crush washer ensures a tight seal between the oil drain plug and the oil pan, preventing oil leaks that could lead to engine damage.
2. Prevents Over-tightening: If you use a washer that’s too thick or too large, you might be tempted to over-tighten the drain plug, which can damage the threads of the oil pan. This could lead to costly repairs.
3. Proper Sealing: The correct size ensures that the washer will “crush” evenly when the drain plug is tightened, filling in any gaps and creating a perfect seal.

How to Find the Right Crush Washer

While the 14mm size is standard for the 2016 Chrysler 300, you should always double-check the specifications based on your engine type. To confirm the correct size, you can:

• Consult your owner’s manual: Your manual will often list the size of the crush washer or provide details for the correct replacement part.
• Ask at the auto parts store: Many local auto parts stores can look up your car’s specifications by model year and engine type, providing you with the exact washer size.
• Online resources: Websites like RockAuto or AutoZone allow you to input your vehicle’s year, make, and model to find the exact size of the crush washer you need.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Crush Washer

If you’re replacing the oil or working on any task that involves removing the drain plug, here’s a basic guide to ensure you replace the crush washer for 2016 Chrysler 300 correctly.

Tools You’ll Need:

• New crush washer (14mm x 1.5mm for the 3.6L V6)
• Oil drain pan
• Socket wrench
• Torque wrench (optional)
• Rag or paper towel

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Drain the Oil: Before replacing the crush washer, ensure that the engine oil has cooled down. Then, place your oil drain pan beneath the oil pan’s drain plug.
2. Remove the Drain Plug: Use the socket wrench to remove the oil drain plug. As you unscrew it, keep an eye on the crush washer. If it’s stuck to the drain plug, remove it carefully.
3. Inspect the Drain Plug: Check the condition of the drain plug. If the threads are damaged, you may need to replace the plug as well.
4. Place the New Crush Washer: Slide the new crush washer onto the oil drain plug. Make sure it fits snugly.
5. Tighten the Drain Plug: Reinstall the drain plug with the new crush washer. Tighten it with the socket wrench until it’s snug. Be careful not to overtighten—use a torque wrench if available, following the manufacturer’s recommended torque specs (usually 25–30 lb-ft for Chrysler 300).
6. Check for Leaks: After finishing the oil change, start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any oil leaks around the drain plug. If you see any, tighten the plug a little more, but don’t overdo it.

Why Replacing the Crush Washer is Essential

You might be tempted to skip replacing the crush washer when doing an oil change or a repair, but this could lead to bigger problems down the line. Using an old or incorrect washer could cause oil leaks, leading to a loss of oil or damage to critical engine components.

Replacing the crush washer is an inexpensive and simple task that ensures your vehicle stays in good working condition. For the 2016 Chrysler 300, using the correct size crush washer is especially important to prevent leaks and avoid any unnecessary repairs.

Conclusion

When performing maintenance on your 2016 Chrysler 300, using the right crush washer size is a small but important detail that ensures everything runs smoothly. For the 3.6L V6 engine, the correct size is 14mm x 1.5mm, while models with the 5.7L V8 may require a slightly different size. Always ensure you have the right size washer to prevent leaks and damage.

Properly maintaining your Chrysler 300 doesn’t have to be difficult. A little attention to detail, like using the correct size crush washer, goes a long way. So, have you checked your crush washer size lately, or are you still using the old one?