What happen if you forgot to put a washer on the transmission drain plug?

[Bad_dude]

I have a 1990 LX, 4AT Honda Accord. I just changed out the transmission fluid today with the new Honda Premium ATF, $8.50/qt. I even bought a new silver washer for it, $1.98 each. When I took the drain plug off, I discarded the old washer and clean the shaving off from the drain plug. I then put the drain plug back on FORGETTING to put the new washer on. I torque it at 36ft/lbs. I already fill the new fluid in there about 2.5QT total.
I plan on changing the fluid again on the next oil change which is about another 2800 miles. Would it start leaking without the washer in there? Would it hurt anything without the washer in it?
I was thinking I would change it out again soon, so without the washer it would not leak. Should I just drain out the fluid and put the washer on OR just wait the 2800 miles then put on the washer then.
It's a bad mistake, but it happens.

Thanks.

[visualpoet]

If it doesn't leak, you got lucky. Just drain the tranny into a clean container so you can still use it and put the washer on this time.

[Bad_dude]

It's not leaking. I was just going to drive it until the next oil change and put the washer on with new fluid at that time. I don't have a clean container otherwise I would drain and put the washer on. Maybe I can use my finger tomorrow and put the washer on without losing too much fluid.
I just wonder if any one ever forgot to put the washer on and what is/was their story?

[Ralphie]

I wouldn't use the finger method as it will deff make a mess, i think its under more pressure then motor oil, i could be wrong.

Either way just check it once in a while and if it is good and doesn't leak leave it until the next change and then add the washer.

Remember, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

[Bad_dude]

I wouldn't use the finger method as it will deff make a mess, i think its under more pressure then motor oil, i could be wrong.

Either way just check it once in a while and if it is good and doesn't leak leave it until the next change and then add the washer.

Remember, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

I agree. I'll check it weekly. Thanks.

[wed3k]

just reuse the fluid.

[92exa6]

I wouldn't use the finger method as it will deff make a mess, i think its under more pressure then motor oil, i could be wrong.

Either way just check it once in a while and if it is good and doesn't leak leave it until the next change and then add the washer.

Remember, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

Finger method shouldn't make much of a mess, there's zero pressure beyond gravity going on. Getting the left side of the car higher should help keep fluid loss at a minimum.

The old saying is often true, and in this case it is "broke", it was assembled incorrectly.

[Bad_dude]

Finger method shouldn't make much of a mess, there's zero pressure beyond gravity going on. Getting the left side of the car higher should help keep fluid loss at a minimum.

The old saying is often true, and in this case it is "broke", it was assembled incorrectly.

Alright, I'll do it.

[Bad_dude]

I did it. Jack it up, loosen the bolt. Since the car was cold the fluid did not come out too much. Put the wash on and drain plug back on with a washer this time. Feel better now.
Took it for a drive on the freeway and I don't even feel it shifting into gears at all. Also, I notice my bogging down at 45MPH into 4th gear seems to be gone too.
I wonder if the EGR even need service with the car only at 140K miles. I did try to take the bolts off the EGR valve again, it finally turn BUT b/c the freaking socket cracked. So much for that.