Fumoto oil drain valve vs ValvoMax, in the real world with average techs

If this is overthink ... please forgive.

First, I understand this:

> Both Use a tube to redirect draining oil AROUND the skidplate
> Both can direct into a jug instead of splashing out of a floor pan or bucket
> Both allow no hot oil on the hands

But also:

> Valvo is lower-profile, but need their special tool to push the ball-plug back
> Fumoto is higher profile but is protected by RCI skip plate and has a plastic bit to prevent opening accidentally

Do the two mechanisms really compare in reliability?

In the real world I might have to rely on folk not familiar with this special hardware for oil work. Seems like it might be over-think for so few encounters, but we are talking "engine oil":

> Do they just remove with a wrench and reinstall ... sometimes badly?
> Do you need to carry the Valvo tool in the vehicle at all times?

 

Can’t really comment on the special tool, but I can say that even the least skilled oil monkey under the vehicle can figure out my fumoto.

(Though, now that I have it, I kinda doubt they’ll ever get under there again, since it makes changes so easy.)

 

I have the Fumoto and the RCI skid plate for the past 4 years. Still works like brand new. Why would there be reliability issues? If the oil is being changed every 5k-7k then there isn’t anything going to clog the back end. The skid plate protects the Fumoto and a quick spray of brake cleaner dislodges any dirt that might be in the level mechanism.

 

I agree about "when I have it, they will not". Special tool for Valvomax is a tube-head you screw on that pushes a back pressure-sealed ball bearing. But there is no external push unless I guess you push some tool (nail-set tool maybe).

Thansk for the assurance that simple observation should be enough on the Fumoto.

 

Thanks for the snaswer. Worth the question I think. I like "one and done", especially when it is 5k or 10k usage.