Apparently the last oil change (by PO) saw a cross threaded drain plug be
put in the '87 Westy. Once I carefully removed it for the first oil change
during my tenure (although difficult and at an angle to the block), it had
two washers on it - an tight fitting aluminum and a copper.

Now, although I did my best to follow the apparent new cut threads, the
drain plug is allowing a leak with a single copper washer. Afraid to tighten
so as not to strip the threads entirely, I've been catching the oil in a pan
to estimate the loss when at rest.

Any suggestions to repair this once non-leaking westy?

In VW Love, Light & Laughter,
Jay