Fumoto Fact You Might Not Know

I recently shared a recent event I had with my Fumoto valve that was completely my fault. After reading the comments along with everything else I’ve read about this controversial valve I think many of those who haven’t used one likely is not aware of how the valve is protected from inadvertently opening.

The Fumoto is NOT your typical ball valve that can be opened or closed by simply turning the lever. There’s a protective design element that prevents the lever from being turned or moved laterally to the open position. See pic. There’s a recess built into the valve that includes a spring that keeps the valves lever recessed into the pocket and prevents the lever from moving. When I completed my last oil change I knew I didn’t install the secondary security measure, the black plastic clip, which I rarely ever used in more than ten years of use on two vehicles. What I didn’t realize is that I didn’t turn the lever far enough so that it recessed and locked itself into the protective slot. Completely my mistake and I won’t make it again. FYI, I didn’t lose any oil during all those miles since I incorrectly closed the valve. I only lost a few ounces when I removed a protective nipple cover during the subsequent change.

I love how soooo many know it all’s jump in with their opinions without ever using one or understanding how they are designed. I read how so many question WHY anyone would use one. I read so many comments that scoff at the idea that it makes an oil change easier and quicker while posting many of their ridiculous mods. I read so many comments that suggest the valve will be ripped completely off and ruin your oil starved engines, lol. How many Tacoma owners, out of the roughly 250,000 that are sold each year, off-road to a level that would make this issue a real concern? My guess it doesn’t exceed 5% of all sales. I can’t imagine this would ever be possible the way I drive and for the 5 of you out there that this might happen to- guess what- there’s another 249,995 others every year who wouldn’t.

My Fumoto valve sits about 3/4 of an inch lower than my removed drain plug.
My Fumoto valve sits about an inch above my skid plate.

For me, here’s why the valve provides VALUE to ME.

1. I don’t need any tools to change my oil.
2. I don’t make a mess.
3. I don’t get oil running down my arm.
4. I don’t have to worry about how hot the oil might be.
5. I don’t get any oil on the topside of my skid plate.
6. I drain the oil directly into a jug. No oil pan to wipe clean.
7. I don’t have to fish-out the drain plug from the oil pan.
8. I don’t have to reuse a crush washer.
9. I don’t forget to install a new crush washer.
10. I don’t forget to install a crush washer.
11. I don’t mistakingly install two washers.
12. You don’t struggle with removing the crush washer.
13. I don’t cross-thread the plug.
14. I don’t over-tighten the plug.
15. I don’t under-tighten the plug.
16. I don’t forget to not install the plug.
17. I don’t have to torque a plug.
18. I can easily remove ANY quantity of oil that I might need to. Try that with a drain plug.
19. I can easily take an oil sample to be analyzed without draining ALL of my oil.
20. You won’t mistakingly drain the transmission fluid if you use one of these valves.
21. If you overfill your engine with oil you can easily remove any amount very easily, without tools and without making a mess. Reference post #373's attached video at time stamp 2:31.

For those of you who don’t want to use a Fumoto valve- don’t use one.
For those of you who don’t want to use a Fumoto valve- why are you compelled to scoff at those who might want to use one?
For those of you who don’t want to use a Fumoto valve- were you aware of all the advantages?
For those of you who don’t want to use a Fumoto valve- are you aware of the number of Tacoma’s that will NEVER be used in such a way that the valve will be RIPPED off?

I frequent this forum because there are so many clever people who offer up ideas, ponder suggestions, share their experiences for which I learn a great deal from- THANK YOU. I try and reciprocate, where I can, to help all of you who have helped me. For those few who continuously take the opposite approach- I pray for you. I pray that you will find happiness.

I hope some of you find this helpful. I took the time to share my experience and the reason “I” use a Fumoto. I’m not trying to convert those who aggressively resist but rather share this with those who aren’t aware of this valve. If they find it helpful and get a valve for themselves- GREAT. If they choose not to get a valve, for ANY reason, that’s GREAT too! Information allows us all to make informed decisions.

For the few of you who don’t want to listen to other perspectives please realize you will likely not learn anything that might prove helpful to you down the road. I bet some people either leave this forum because of how some get belittled or don’t post and subject themselves to those who think they are stupid. We all lose when this happens.

Peace.

 

Looks like a nice valve. Thanks for the write up. I haven't changed oil yet on my 2021 but don't you still need a tool to get the oil filter off for an oil change? I know on all my other cars, I can't get the filter off with just my hands.

 

I got a valve on my truck on the first oil change. I dont change my own oil anymore, physical limits prevent me from doing tire rotations, so I just pay a shop to do the oil and tire rotate at the same time.

I tell the shop each time that I have the valve, and to make sure they put the lock back on. I have had a issue 1 time where the shop forgot to put the lock on, but they called me while on my way home to get me back to put it on.

What I like about the valve is that after working at a VW dealer for 6 years, I found that not putting on a fresh washer, or over torquing, or under torquing, or stripping a drain plug is actually pretty common. I have removed all error from the tech when it comes to getting my drain plug correct, they just need to turn it and put on the lock. After the oil change is done, my inspection is 10 seconds to check if the lock is there.

It is much cleaner when it comes to oil splashing too, no need for them to spray the underside down with brake clean after changing the oil. No drips on my concrete driveway either.

 

Never seen anyone need to defend a drain plug before.

I guess all the free time and clean hands you get from that had to be used somehow.

 

LOL!

 

Was that a sponsored post by the OP?!

WTAF.

someone literally decided to reinvent the wheel/nut

 

You will need a filter wrench, I bought a Motivx brand, about $24 on Amazon. It is a nicely made tool.

 

You havent though... As stated in your very own post.

Not trying to turn this into a pissing match, anyone is welcome to do what they want with their truck. But this is def not worth it to me, personally. And I would argue this is not easier nor 'fool proof' to the average oil change technician.

 

But forgetting the lock does not let the oil drain out like forgetting to put on a new crush washer, or doubling the crush washer. Forgetting the lock just requiring putting the lock back on.

I understand what your saying, yes forgetting the lock would be a error. I should of worded it better. The valve removes most of the expensive errors.


For me the valve makes my inspection easier.

 

No tools are required if you installed a spin on filter relocation kit as I have. Since my truck is new the cost to install will be spread out over the 60+ changes I will be making. No tools. Easy job now! Love this mod.

 

Do tell on this kit

 

You are new here, welcome to Tacoma World .
If you read the third paragraph the OP wrote he is referring to the silly that get generated by some folks who seem to have some need to play keyboard commando and bulldoze anyone with a different opinion than their own.

 

Yes, you are correct. I actually purchased the Motovix tool and used it once. I now have a spin-on filter from installing a relocation kit and no longer need ANY tools. I LOVE this mod. Even my non-technical friend could do this easily and quickly.

 

What brand/source for the relocation kit?

 

Check out this thread. You will find my install detailed-out along with Rick’s install and video.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ilter-oil-change.582655/page-14#post-26070762

 

https://www.baxterperformanceusa.com/

 

Thanks!

 

In the spring time the condensation that builds up on the inside of your windows also builds up inside the crank case and every once in a while if you get under there and just flip the valve for a second or two you’ll see a couple of tablespoons of water come out first as water and oil don’t mix. Shut the valve and away you go. Quick way to eliminate or reduce oil foaming

 

I was told during a recent dealer service that, since Fumoto valves drain so slowly, many techs are inclined to simply remove them like you would a normal drain plug in order to save time.