drain plug has a rubber gasket

I recently changed the oil on my 2002 Explorer (4.0L engine) and I noticed that the oil pan drain plug had a rubber gasket near the head. It looked like there has been some where on the gasket and that it might tear in the next couple of oil changes.

Is this gasket required? If yes, does the gasket come only with a new drain plug?

I have heard that some cars require a crush washer when changing the oil. I am wondering if this drain plug gasket is similar in function.

thanks for any replies.

Frank,

The gasket is required and should come
with a new drain plug.

If it looks suspect replace it.

Remember to not overtighten the drain
plug. 19ft lbs is the torque I believe.

Thanks for the response. I wasn't expecting the drain plug to be suspect when I changed the oil. I did tighten a bit more thinking that it would compensate for the slightly frayed gasket. I don't have a torque ratchet, so maybe I'll get one.

Since I may have to replace the drain plug, I considered replacing with Fram's SureDrain kit. This replaces the cars drain plug for a special one that allows quick and "mess-free" oil changes. Anybody have experience with these kits?

Thanks for the response. I wasn't expecting the drain plug to be suspect when I changed the oil. I did tighten a bit more thinking that it would compensate for the slightly frayed gasket. I don't have a torque ratchet, so maybe I'll get one.

Since I may have to replace the drain plug, I considered replacing with Fram's SureDrain kit. This replaces the cars drain plug for a special one that allows quick and "mess-free" oil changes. Anybody have experience with these kits?

I've used the suredrain plugs before, they make it easier, but they drain very, very slowly, too slow for my liking, so I switched back to the drain plug.