[Insightful Trekker]

<snip>
I torque the drain plug with a new washer to 29 ft-lb as per the service manual. I haven't used teflon tape. No leaks, so I guess it is fine.

A couple of other members who followed the 29 ft lb found the threads failed prematurely. I'd recomend something lighter.

But BEWARE :!:

Obviously at some point too loose will allow the plug to fall out and your engine will be scrap metal in less that a mile if you drive with insufficent oil pressure.

I'm still keeping my "eye' out for a dial type torque wrench that I can borrow to measure how much force I've been using. I'd _estimate_ around 20 ft lbs. Nor have is seen a beam type accurate enough to meainingfully read in this low a range. And don't forget a new crushwasher on every change :!:

HTH!