Best oil change ever!

[kcpolk]

During my last (messy) engine oil change, I replaced my oil pan plug with a Fumoto valve (http://www.fumotousa.com/)...... BEST THING EVER for about $40! It has a double sealed ball valve and a spring loaded "release" lever. I can control the flow and turn it on/off during the process (I keep my empty gallon oil containers from the last oil change.... then reuse them for the old oil, next change). Super easy, super clean to pull out a quart or so (if you overfill). I even tried doing an oil "refresh".... since I am leaving on a long trip but not quite yet due for an oil change (only about 2000 miles on the current oil), I drained precisely 4 quarts out and replaced with fresh oil. 20 bucks and I recharged the oil (reduce the dilution ratio). I shouldn't have to change oil part way thru my trip (I'll do a full oil/filter change right away when I get home). I like it! :-laf

 

[KenHwy61]

Ordered one for my truck, too. Less than $30 on amazon and lots of good reviews. I like the idea of being able to stop the flow. I've always changed my own oil and now with my first diesel and its large volume of oil I hope to make less of a mess!

 

[AH64ID]

I had a similar valve on a old Toyota that had IFS but the thought of one of those scares me on a solid axle rig with how low the oil pan is already. My last oil pan had a big dent in it from what I assume was a stick on a dirt road.

 

[AnOldBiker]

I've had themm on every vehicle I've owned the last 10 years plus and never regretted owning them. One of the best investments I've made. But I agree, if you drain plug is very low, it might be advisable to really think it through before buying.

 

[Powder Extreme]

Forgot about these! Had one on my Cummins years ago handy as heck. Just ordered 1 for the Cummins and 1 for the Eco Diesel. $24 each with free shipping on Amazon.

 

[Jonsnow]

Gonna get me one!

 

[Larry Willard]

I love them as well, not only on the trucks but also bought one for the car. Always get mine from Genos.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I had a similar valve on a old Toyota that had IFS but the thought of one of those scares me on a solid axle rig with how low the oil pan is already. My last oil pan had a big dent in it from what I assume was a stick on a dirt road.

I've punctured several tires with tree limbs, but I've never punctured an oil pan.

 

[AH64ID]

I've punctured several tires with tree limbs, but I've never punctured an oil pan.

I've never punctured one but I have hit them hard enough to dent them. A brass fitting hanging down from the pan would be very easy to crack or rip off when used off the pavement.

 

[DCrabbs]

One note of caution, I had one on my 01 CTD and loved it - however, on two occasions, driving across a cut corn field while pheasant hunting the cut stalks dragged across the valve and opened it. The first time I lost almost all of the oil and had to bring new oil into the field. Total disaster was averted only because my son noticed an oil trail when we stopped at the edge of the field. The second time I looked under the truck after driving in a corn field and found it open again. That time, I caught it after losing only about two quarts. It's hard to believe that the corn stalks dragging across to could open it, but it did!

Dean

 

[kthaxton]

For those that have used this, do you have to hold the lever down while it drains? I appears that is how it works and would likely be a decent safety to avoid being knocked open by debris....and staying open.

 

[Killgore]

No, once you open it, it stays open. I like the convenience of being able to take an oil sample without taking a bath in used motor oil.

- Ed

 

[jeepit]

I have one on my Jeep Rubicon...it is protected by the engine skid plate so no worries.
I was concerned on my truck since the drain plug hangs straight down off of pan.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

It's hard to believe that the corn stalks dragging across to could open it, but it did! Dean

I guess anything is possible.... I added one to my 04 the last year I owned it. Mine was hard as hell to open and cussed it every time I had to open it.

 

[MLee]

Here is the solution to the accidental opening of your EZ drain or Fumoto valve. First, the barb is removable on the EZ drain, if you have it, and I think that it is on the Fomoto, reducing the ground clearance idea.
When I installed mine and reading others concern of this happening I took screw clamp large enough to go around the body of the valve, took my Dremil tool with a cutting blade, and removed some of the cross bars in the clamp. I don't remember how many but enough so the clamp will fit over the release handle and tighten down to hold the handle in the closed position. Peace of mind is what we are after here. If you do the off road, might consider a skid plate of some sort if you have one of these installed. Or install the regular plug when your doing the off road thing. That would be your peace of mind. I don't have a pic of it but if interested, see if I can post one.

 

[crispyboy]

Do these valves allow all the oil to drain like a standard plug?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Can't say I agree with the 4 qt oil change! Makes as much sense to me as a partial transmission fluid change.

No way for me with a Fumoto Valve, there are jerks out there. How hard is it to unscrew a drain plug.

No offense meant to you op!

Pail works great, not a drop spilled.

 

[kcpolk]

Good points every one. My valve is well above the front diff and only a little longer than the stock drain plug. As for added safety and redundancy, they make a these valves with threaded output end (presume to allow a drain pipe or hose?)...... one could just add a cap to the valve. I went to their web site to explore the options. This way you would need a wrench to remove the safety cap AND then release the locking lever. Yes Crispy just flip the (positive lock) valve and it drains like removing the standard plug. Cummins12..... I only did the partial oil change to reduce the oil dilution ratio prior to my trip. I only have 2000 miles on the oil now (i usually change at no more than 4000 miles).... I'm heading out on a trip, so for 20 bucks I have a "recharge".... no way will I go over 4k before I change it out. I think of it as just a small piece of mind. Thanks again everyone..... I love the ideas.... that's what this Forum is all about!

 

[Cummins12V98]

If you are driving your truck as intended and not as a grocery getter there is no reason to change oil any sooner that the computer says to do so. Your time and money, it will not hurt a thing to do what you did. Best thing to do is drain when the computer tells you to do so then at that time do an oil analysis with Blackstone.

 

[kthaxton]

Can't say I agree with the 4 qt oil change! Makes as much sense to me as a partial transmission fluid change.

Actually, it makes a LOT less sense than a partial transmission fluid change, since a partial transmission fluid change is the norm, and all the factory requires.....and engine oil's duty and environment is much different than a transmission....yada yada yada.