I know I ordered a replacement, and that I had owned it, rode it, for a couple of years without the washer. Could not remember if I had installed the replacement, or not. Looked for the new washer, could not find it anywhere... Filled the engine with oil, resolved to order a new replacement, again.
After the test start, and verifying no leaks, I pulled the pan out, and discovered a shiny washer sitting in the pan. Now what?
I got another gallon of oil, in case I needed to dump the fresh oil, and install new, as a last resort. I tried unscrewing the drain plug, and sticking my rubber gloved finger in the hole to stop it from pouring out, then I put the washer on the plug with my free hand, screwed it back in place, with oil draining only a short time. Torqued it properly, again.
I had prepared my pan, wiping it clean of excess oil, so it would capture only the lost oil from removing the plug, adding the washer, and then re-installing the plug. Then I poured the lost oil into a measuring cup (plastic, purchased that night for this, and other nefarious, M/C mechanical maintenance purposes I won't publish...), and I found that I had lost only 4 oz. of oil. I had a bottle sitting on the shelf, with 10 left-over ounces of fresh oil, from last year's gallon jug. I poured 4.5 oz. into the measuring cup, and added it to the engine. Job done, oil level correct. Then I went in the house, and had a beer!
Thought I'd share my little adventure in case anyone else has such an experience. It can be done safely, and effectively. Next time, though, I will search the pan a bit more carefully, if I hear a, "Thunk!", to see if it is the washer -- before I put the plug back in! Enjoy a good laugh on me.
Cheers!
