Well, I use a little calortite on the threads, and I still use the original washer, never ever leaked a drop.
Calortite is similar to the old fashioned red hematite, non setting sealing compound, that can be cleaned off with meths.
I use it on my gearbox and axle drain and fill plugs as well and it seals the threads that stops leaks, but also stops water getting in, which often causes them to seize solid, due to dissimilar metals.
They always come undone with minimal effort too.:thumb2:thumb2
never changed a washer yet unless some idiot has severely overtightened the plug to the point of deformed washer, if I think it needs it I will anneal it before refitting, that is all, Rick
I always wrap PTFE thread seal tape around the threads to seal them, finish up with a couple of turns at the washer
Make sure you wrap it clockwise looking down otherwise it will unwrap as you screw it in.
It makes them easier to get out, and a lot easier to get out of the threads than Hermatite