Fumoto Fact(s) You Might Not Know

If only the filter were as easy to deal with as the Fumoto valve. The thing is stupid easy

 

We live in alternate universes of contradictions...well, not really...just wanted to add a silly spin on this.

One Fact for me about Fumoto is...I went through the decision process on whether to try the valve or not.

I ordered/got the correct product but did not want to install it since I wanted to R2* the Aluminum Housing at same time but bought wrong size filters.

The objective didn't come together as planned so the feeling was gone.

Next oil change, I had the correct filters and thought to myself, this is the last time I'm going to make a mess taking the oil pan bolt out!

This thought process incentivized my determination to complete the task.

*Remove/Replace

 

These Fumoto valves are similar to a lot of other conveniences that we have all grown to love and use but probably never thought we had to have it/them. Here's a few. I know there's a few of us who like "easy". Those who scoff at this valve are likely to enjoy many of the conveniences listed below.

1. auto dimming headlights
2. cruis control
3. auto wipers
4. electric windows
5. electric locks
6. push button ignition
7. key fob
8. temp controlled heat/air
9. TPMS sensors
10. auto adjusting volume
11. auto adjust rear mirror

I probably missed a few.

 

Here’s another perspective to ponder. How many posts have we all seen about people complaining the transmission doesn’t have a dipstick? Are they all pansies because they don’t suck it up and do it like a real man? Just another example of trying to do things a little easier is all.

 

I have an OCD question I'm sure has been asked but I can't really find the answer to:

Since the Fumoto valve threads into the oil pan, don't the threads stick up into the oil pan and prevent a certain quantity of oil from being drained? It might be a small quantity but isn't less oil being drained by using this valve?

 

when u drain, flush it with a quart of oil. u'll see that the oil draining is clean.

 

You are correct. About 8 ounces are retained due to the thread height protrusion.

 

You are correct. I don’t recall the exact amount but I’m thinking it was about 10 ounces out of a total 198 ounces [6.2Qt]. One guy here, I don’t recall who actually, made a very good suggestion of cutting a slot vertically down to the point at which the threads protrude into the pan. R3K just made another good suggestion of flushing it out with another quart or two. Yet another poster suggested running the engine first to temperature to get contaminants suspended so they are more apt to drain.

The question becomes….does roughly 5% of old oil that remains in your engine a problem? Maybe, maybe not. I suspect the more miles between oil changes isn’t helping matters. A good oil filter with regular change intervals will certainly help.

The same question can be asked for when we drain the engine coolant or transmission fluid.

At my next oil change I just may drop the oil pan and measure the amount that remains in the pans bottom. If so, I’ll take pics and report back. I may also take that opportunity to mark where the threads protrude the pan, remove the valve, cut the excess off, and reinstall. I’ll also provide pics of that too and let you know how difficult it is. I’m sure many here have some pretty good machinist skills. My first attempt may be a simple hacksaw and file to knock down the sharp edges. Second attempt, likely on a new valve, will be a band saw. Third attempt, if it hasn’t gone well could be the vertical cut slot using a hacksaw.

I am a little interested to see how clean the pan is. I’ll be at 40k miles with 5k OCI’s.

 

I’ve got a question I think I know but I don’t actually know. When draining oil the old fashioned way, by removing the drain pan plug, does all the oil drain out or could there be a small amount of oil that remains in that too?

I know we are splitting hairs here but those who find it a bit interesting probably have a little OCD for at least oil changes. For the record, Toyota makes great vehicles and will do very well know matter what interval change you decide. OCI’s are likely not even important if you are inclined to exchange vehicles at 100k. I think, if all those things discussed here [OCI’s, oil choice, filter choice, et.] make a difference it is likely going to show dividends for vehicles at the 300k level and above. So, if you aren’t interested in keeping a vehicle that long, it likely doesn’t matter what you do unless you want to be a good steward for the next owner.

 

Would guess the trapped oil on the pan would be 2 ounces. The shape of the pan does trap some oil, even when using drain plug.

 

Where is this obsession for draining every single molecule of used oil from the sump coming from? Do you hand wringers really think this is going to cause damage or lessen the life of the motor?

 

Thanks for that info. I’m inclined to believe the small amount of contaminants that may be there will likely be independent of whether there’s 2 ounces or 10 ounces remain. I believe, so long as the engine is cold, the contaminants sit there whether there’s 10 or 2 ounces. But that’s just a guess.

 

For me, refer to post #529.

 

I understand Mike. But your long term concern is based on nothing!

 

Agreed.

 

I don't know man. If the goal in changing your oil is to remove the used oil, why not try to remove all the oil? Anything less just seems sloppy to me, whether or not that matters in the real world or not.

 

then u flush it every time if u want to remove "all"

 

If your goal is to have time for a few more beers while you wait for that last fucking drop to fall, then I applaud you. Otherwise it's a waste of precious time with no appreciative payback.

 

I think those of us in this thread and similar probably don’t mind the extra time. I remember way back when I use to punch a time clock. I always wondered why everyone would hurry to try and be the first in line. I’d always wait to the end and always saw the front line people in the parking lot with me.

One of “my” life lessons learned that I wish I adopted earlier in life was to simply slow down a bit. Less stress, fewer mistakes and generally speaking a more sensible and healthier way of life.

I figure when I die I won’t regret not saving 5 minutes off every oil change.

 

Practically all engines have areas up in the cylinder heads beneath the valve covers that allow oil to puddle up. These areas don't trap the oil forever, but they aren't necessarily draining back into the pan every time you shut the car off

Engines somehow manage to last longer than 10,000 miles..