I just received the factory 2000-2006 Service Manual and noticed that the oil drain plug torque spec differs from the 2006 Owners Manual.

Owners Manual says to torque to 33 lbf-ft whille the Service Manual reads 29 lbf-ft wit a warning not to over tighten.

I'm more curious than concerned. I've never used a torque wrench on an oil drain plug before but seeing as this car is a "keeper" I'd like to do it by the book. But, which book?

 

torque to 29 (thats what I use for my 00), and if it doesn't leak, leave it be

 

If your THAT worried about the 4lbs of torque...... torque it to 31 lb's and call it a day...

 

use a new crush washer everytime you do an oil change.

 

It is not necessary to use a new washer.

 

I have found that even in the Helm service manual, both torques are printed in different places in the book. The oil drain plug is kinda large for the thickness of the thing it threads into. Don't over torque. It's not needed. Go with 30 and you'll be fine. In fact, I don't even use a torque wrench anymore, but rather, I do it by feel. Even 30 lb/ft seems a bit too much to me, but that's just me. You do what the manual says. Go with 29. 30 is good enough.