Engine oil drain plug with Fabric washer, torque spec.

I recently bought a 2011 2.7L Standard cab. The dealer sold me an OEM oil filter (73mm cap wrench) and a Fabric washer for the oil drain plug. I've never used a fabric washer for this application (they are usually aluminum).. so I ask about the torque spec. He replied 14 Newton-meters...which is 10.3 ft-lbs. I've read that many owners are tightening this plug to 30 ft-lbs. That may be the the spec. with an Aluminum washer but not the fabric style. Also, it's not a good plan to reuse this washer, no matter what the material, as they lose their "locking" characteristic after their first "crush". If an upside-down drain plug is not tightened correctly...it can unscrew. Does anyone know when and why Toyota changed from an aluminum to a fabric plug washer?

 

Last one I bought in 2014 was aluminum for my 07.

 

I worked for Toyota from 2004-2006 and we always used the fabric washers for engine oil.

As for torque, I have never seen anyone use a torque wrench on an oil pan bolt. Anywhere, ever.
30ft-lbs seems like a lot though... If I were to estimate I would say in the 10-15ft-lbs range.

 

The "frabic washer" in question has aluminum in the middle, if it is the same Toyota part number we use. And the torque spec is around 32ft-lbs.