Originally Posted By: artbuc
Fumoto valve is a solution looking for a problem that does not exist.
I don't see it that way. And from reading a number of discussion threads here, where others have vented their grief with mishaps when draining motor oil, I'm pretty sure that there are plenty of problems that the Fumoto valve addresses. Here are the ones I can think of, in no particular order, except #1 & #2, which I suspect are #1 & #2 with most others:
1) Dropped drain plug in oil drain pan.
2) Even if it isn't dropped, dirty oil all over the fingers when removing the oil plug. Even if you wear gloves, it's still a mess that is eliminated with the Fumoto valve.
3) Risk of cross threaded drain plug. I've never done this. But judging from comments here at BITOG, it must happen often. There are even Youtube videos on how to repair the oil pan drain.
4) Drain plug having a slight leak. Not a lot, but enough that there is a oily, dirty streak on the oil pan.
5) The need to replace a crush washer on the drain plug, with each oil change.
6) Hot motor oil burning your fingers, while removing the drain plug.
7) Having to constantly adjust position of the oil drain pan, as the stream of oil decreases. Of course this is only eliminated with use of the Fumoto valve that a tube can be connected to.
8) Having to transfer used motor oil from the oil drain pan to a container, to take it to the recycle station. Once again, only eliminated with use of the valve with a drain tube. The drain tube can be put right in the container that you are going to take to the recycle station.
9) Having to replace the drain plug because, after years of removal and tightening, the hex head starts to wear.
Those are the only problems that I can think of, for which the Fumoto Valve is the solution. Other than these, I suppose you are right.
