Fumoto Fact(s) You Might Not Know

If you have a pro plate there is an access hole cutout precisely for this access.

 

i have RCI skids. There is an access for the filter which I use and there is a hole for oil drain, I just find it easier for me to slide my hand in from the side to reach the Fumoto valve

 

Just got my Fumoto, waiting for my next oil change to install.

 

But the real wait is two changes from now when you get to experience the ease of the setup. I’m excited for you too!

 

No it’s not. I use one. A ratchet with a socket. Remove plug drain oil into pan. Contemplate mystery’s of the universe for 60 seconds while oil drains. Replace plug. Change filter. Fill motor with oil. Put lid on drain pan to be dumped in used oil tank at work later. Put ratchet back in drawer. Then the final and most important step. Walk around like it’s nothing while wife gazes upon you with great lust wondering how she ever got lucky enough to marry this Viking like warrior that can bust out an oil change in 4 minutes. lol serious question though. Why save the oil and put it in another car? I think the 5k is enough but that’s totally your call but if you think it’s good to 8k then why not just leave it in there?

 

Lol , a Fumoto also should prevent people from mistaking the transmission oil plug and draining the wrong fluid . Ive read a dozen+ stories here about people doing that.

 

Great question actually. First, I continue to use the oil because I believe there remains some life within it. I reuse it in another vehicle, one approaching 300k miles, because I’d rather use fresher oil in my newer vehicle. “If” the oil with 5k on it imposes any risk it will be on the vehicle that is worth a couple thousand dollars versus a 50k vehicle. It simply all comes down to risk mitigation is all- and not discarding oil that likely has some life left on it.

 

I’m just sharing some observations/questions that make me think a bit.

1. There are many suggestions on this post who comment or question the time savings of using a Fumoto valve. Where in my post did I suggest a Fumoto valve saves time? I list nineteen (19) value items about a Fumoto. Not one suggests it is a time savings despite being able to successfully argue that it is. People love to change the discussion towards their perspective and argue a point that wasn’t even made.
2. Have you noticed anything about those posters who argue a Fumoto drains too slow and takes TOO MUCH TIME? Those posters have 1,000+ posts! They complain about the extra minutes wasted while using a Fumoto and then turn around and spend countless hours posting here! Lol, you can’t make this stuff up.
3. If you post an oil thread you will get the proverbial eye-roll or “here we go again” exclamation. Why does this not only bother them but why do they subject themselves to this punishment to go on to read and post? Why don’t they simply skip the post?
4. You will also get those who will scoff at you for subjecting yourself to much higher cost by having an oil change interval less than 10,000 miles or a more expensive oil brand. Many of these scoffers are
   1. Changing their brand new stock tires. + $500
   2. Increasing their tire sizing. + $500
      
   3. Lifting their truck. + $1,000.
   4. Getting lower mpg. +$$$
   5. Subjecting themselves to needle bearing issues. +$$$
   6. Subjecting themselves to front differential problems. +$$$
   7. Subjecting themselves to drive shaft issues. +$$$.

As one who has been appropriately called-out-here for a specific methodical and concise approach should not be surprised to learn I tabulated expected maintenance cost for the 1st 100,000 miles. Without changing my tires or lifting my vehicle the TOP 3 Maintenance items, representing approximately 61% of the maintenance cost, are shocks, tires and wheel bearings. Engine oil changes, using 5k change intervals, comes in at #4 and only represents 6% of the total 100k maintenance cost!

For those of you who immediately swap-out your new stock tires OR get larger tires and lift your truck YOU dramatically change the overall maintenance cost projections by adding unnecessary cost and induced repairs ALL THE WHILE reducing the impact of the oil change costs you love to poke fun at. You don’t have to publicly admit anything but you should stop and consider the entire picture before you expose yourself on a public forum.

Before some of you point out how I’m defending something, I don’t believe I am. I’m simply documenting some thoughts that might help a few realize the significance of some things while pointing out how other things might actually be insignificant.

For the record, the cleverness of many on this forum have allowed me to see things differently and have changed what I do. I am so appreciative to everyone’s contributions here.

 

I am thoroughly entertained by your assessment of TW members who go out of their way to boldly type things to stir the pot...to anyone who goes above and beyond explanation. I don't see very many members go out of their way being as descriptive as yourself...which is a good thing.

When I first joined a forum back in 2011 and I replied to someone's post, I expected dialogue...

Well, my expectations had to be adjusted as did my transition to civilian sector expectations after a 25 year military career.

You bring up great counterpoints with regards to expenditure comparisons. We all spend our money differently BUT sharing how it's spent opens up a big can of worms for people to critique...like you did to make your point.

I'm seriously contemplating doing the remainder of my oil changes instead of taking it in for Toyota Care MX. I have the Fumoto valve as well as the OEM oil filter housing cap to install. There's also this kit for a cleaner draining process I saw on Chloe Kuo's page.

I've used the Auto Hobby Shop on Dover AFB for ALL my oil changes--$6/hr with lift stall. I like taking pics of processes and this would be a great write-up when I finally do it.

 

I never noticed if the Fumoto takes longer or not, because while my oil is draining, I take few minutes to fill the windshield washer fluid, check the brake fluid, check the anti-freeze, air filter, etc. The time it drains doesn’t mean much to me.

 

Never knew that Fumoto valves are made in Japan That was a pleasant surprise

 

OP, Interesting write up. Thank you.

Just got my Fumoto Valve and the instructions state that it should be torqued at 15 ft/lbs whereas the sec for the OEM drain plug is 30 ft/lbs.

Has anyone had an issue with 15 ft/lbs torque spec vs 30 ft/lbs?

 

Just hand tighten and you’re good

 

I was curious how far above the skid these sit - thanks.

As for your list of reasons to use the valve ...
1 - that is a nice one, assuming that you also have a tool-less oil filter?
2 - You sound clumsy; I don't make messes with a simple oil change. Maybe a diff fluid change.
3 - You sound really clumsy
4 - Why would you worry unless you are really clumsy?
5 - How the hell does that happen in any normal oil change??
6 - You can always skip wiping it clean since you're just dumping trash into it next time as well
7 - Wow, are you really that clumsy??
8 - You should never reuse a crush washer - they are replaced each time
9 - Come on, it's one bloody part - how can you possibly forget a simple step? I hope you don't ever try to do real work on your truck.
10 - Seriously? A frigging washer is your three-points argument? My God - do not ever try to do a real job on your truck.
11 - OK, FOUR points on a single simple washer?? Damn.
12 - Sigh. Put down the tools and pay a competent person to work on your truck.
13 - Oh, come on! You really need to get away from the tools.
14 - Sell your tools. Seriously.
15 - Stop. Just stop doing anything to your truck. In fact, only go to full-service gas stations to prevent losing the gas cap.
16 - You don't sound like a person that even owns a proper torque wrench, so ...
17 - That is a plus for sure, but why would you need to? Do you not understand how to add 6 quarts?
18 - Why? Are you part of a major Toyota use analysis program? It it feels right, smells right, looks right, and the filter looks good then the oil is fine.
19 - GET AWAY FROM YOUR TRUCK MAINTENANCE IMMEDIATELY.

 

I think the idea is interesting but the messy part for me isn’t the oil plug, it’s the filter replacement.

 

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Good read.

Some good points there and more regarding risk VS reward.
Chances and number of people not doing correct washer, torque specs, etc outweighs by far any risk and likelihood of ripping the valve off etc.
I don't own one. But you make some good points.

 

17 pages about oil changes... Jesus fuckin Christ

 

yup, I showed mine to a buddy who used to be a mechanic and he called it a foo-foo drain plug!

 

There are hundreds of pages on TW about oil and oil changes and types of oil and oci. Have you never been here before?