Fumoto valves

Status
Not open for further replies.
cwilliamsws6

cwilliamsws6

Joined
Feb 27, 2018
Messages
838
Location
Idaho
Are they worth the $28 price tag? They seem like a neat and easy way to drain the oil pan and definitely would save me from almost giving myself a hernia trying to bust my drain bolt loose, and I change my oil about 3 times a year because I drive a lot.

Anyone here have one and can chime in? Thanks!
 
Originally Posted by cwilliamsws6
definitely would save me from almost giving myself a hernia trying to bust my drain bolt loose,

Anyone here have one and can chime in? Thanks!


Your over tightening your drain plug.
If you have the clearance go for it.
 
I have one on both of my vehicles and they're awesome. No leaks, no drips, and no worrying about crush washers or anything like that. I highly recommend them.
 
I have one on my truck and Scion, and one going on the next oil change on the Hyundai.

I have had 4 other vehicles with them (Wrangler, Grand Caravan, Elantra and Trailblazer, no idea why I did not take them off when I sold them, I am sure the next owner probably tossed them).

The only con's I see is there could be clearance issues if it is a low vehicle and/or drain plug points downward, and it does drain a little slower than with the plug removed completely (but not that big of a deal for me as a DIY'er, an oil change place would probably hate it).

I know a few have said there could be "sediment" left in the pan since it raises the drain level 1/8" with the threads, but not a concern for me.
Also some are concerned with it getting "knocked" open, which would be very difficult, but they make a latch kit to prevent that if you are really worried about it.
 
I like my Fumoto valve and it makes OC a breeze in sub-freezing temperatures. Tool-less and no more stripped drain plug threads.

Fumoto use to recommend a hose clamp to prevent accidental release of the Fumoto lever. The hose clamp is over-kill. I just use one those bread wire twist ties preferably made from paper. It works great and is a no worry consumable item if you drop it into the "Drink" .... drain pan.

Without crawling underneath, I just reached under and snapped a pic. Hopefully you see the white twist tie.

[Linked Image]
 
Last edited:
had one on my sable. no drips, or leaks ever.
they do run a but slower than the open drain hole...
and if you take it to a shop to have the oil change done for whatever reason, be ready for them to refuse, citing liability if they couldn't get the valve to close.

"where did you get your oil changed last? Do you know you don't have a drain plug?"
I've done every oil change on this car since i've owned it...and yes, I installed a Fumoto Valve.
"well, without the standard drain plug, we can't change your oil. the Liability is too risky if we couldn't get the valve to close"

at which point i did a quick search of the car, b/c i had had the OE drain plug in the car a couple days before...but it wasn't there.

they did report a completed oil change to carfax though.. and tried to sell me an unneeded air filter for $26.(had a spare at home already, and I had installed a restriction gauge in the airbox. filter was slightly dirty, but in no way needed changing.)
 
I have one on both Subaru vehicles but not the truck. I do not use anything to lift vehicle or ramps. Slide in drain pan, feel the Fumoto and open it. I only need to slide in a little.

However if the mounting position would cause the valve to be hanging down, easy for rock to rip off, then I would have to think again. In the Subaru it's in a nice little opening, well protected.
 
I have a couple on two different cars, even low clearance and it's never been a problem in more than a decade of use.

Fumoto now makes the black plastic clip that slides into the slot on the valve to make sure it's highly unlikely for it to open, even if hitting something. I guess the the better way to say express it is to say that if something is under the car that opens the valve through some awefully weird actions, the rest of the car probably looks lik poo with lots of other damage, making my oil drain the least of my worries.
 
I've had one on my current truck for 3 years now. Love it. I just make sure to change the oil when the engine is hot. If I do an oil change on a cold engine it takes forever.
 
on our van since 2005. on both my trucks since 2011. Other than the drain speed, it's so much better. The new truck has one with a nipple and I've got a piece of hose permanently attached. I just pull the hose through a hole in the belly pan and direct the oil into a jug. Clean and practical. The van's is now 14 years old and going strong.
 
Originally Posted by cb_13
I've had one on my current truck for 3 years now. Love it. I just make sure to change the oil when the engine is hot. If I do an oil change on a cold engine it takes forever.

I am a change it cold person.
I just do other stuff while it drains (get oil and filter out, check coolant, washer fluid, etc).
 
Originally Posted by JustN89
I have one on both of my vehicles and they're awesome. No leaks, no drips, and no worrying about crush washers or anything like that. I highly recommend them.


Ditto. All my cars have them.
 
Originally Posted by DoubleWasp
Great for vehicles with messy or screwy drain situations.

This is exactly why I installed one on my 2011 Kia Optima.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

R
Moving Fumoto to new Forester.
Replies
10
Views
811
CarbonToast
G
Oil pan bolt threads are weak, going to install a Fumoto valve. How to make sure it stays?
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
srfdude
P
Valvomax drain plug "system"
2 3
Replies
54
Views
5K
Kantaro
W
2019 Ford Flex with Flakes in Drain Pan
Replies
16
Views
646
dogememe
WillBrinkhoff
Chevy 350 making only 3 to 5lbs oil pressure idling when warm.
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
wlk
Back
Top