Hey everybody;

I have a 2004 Forester X, and I have a question about changing the oil. I've been changing oil regularly with no problems, until it occured to me that I may need to have a specific torque on the drain plug, because of the crush washer. Does anyone know of a spec on this? Or am I just being way too over-careful (cough*anal*cough) on this?

Thanks; -Ed.

Well, the WRX one is 33 lb/ft, iirc.

My 2000 Forester is 33 ft/lbs. I use a new crush washer and when I feel the crush washer crush to snug I give it about another /14 turn. Never a leak in 80,000 miles

Thanks for the replies.

33 it is! I did so, and everything looks good.

HOWEVER, I did notice a problem with the application of the new crush washer. When you place it on the plug, there is a tiny bit of play. I had a waher on for a couple hours and had the smallest leak-- when inspecting the crush of that washer, I noticed that it was off center a bit-- so much so, that the 'crush marks' went right up to the edge of the washer, which would possibly cause the drop-or-two leak that I was having. So, I applied some grease on the plug to keep the washer in place when tightening it (to 33, of course), and we're in business. So, for next time:

- lightly grease the plug to keep the washer in place (just where the washer sits)
- torque to 33.

Thanks! -Ed.

I installed a Fumoto drain plug (http://www.fumotovalve.com/) so that now I don't need to worry about drain plug torque anymore. :disco:

Fumoto drain plugs are nice but::: to drain ALL the oil you need to pull the Fumoto valve OR modify it for your car by filing a grove in it so all the oil drains.

Or...just cut off half the threads before you install it.