Scott - I do use a torque wrench on the oil drain plug. Especially when
I am working on someone else's rig. I use a 1/4 or 3/8 drive shorty dial
torque wrench. The published spec is the same for all Vanagons with
stock motors.  Drain plug:  18 ft-lbs
So your generalization that no one does is incorrect. By using a torque
wrench on it. I know for sure that it was done properly and I always put
a dab of inspectors lacquer when done. When I am working on one of
the several vans that I care for its also noted on the RO (repair order)
that it was done and the spec used.

Bill M

On Jul 10, 2013, at 3:33 AM, Scott Ohana <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM> wrote:

> But you don't use a torque wrench on vanagon drain plugs ..right ?
> No one does.
> not that I