Oil Change Alert- Public Service Announcement

To be fair to everyone I must share something I JUST experienced for the FIRST TIME. I just returned from a 2,000 mile trip and when I was under the truck emptying the oil drain pan I was SHOCKED to find my Fumoto valve in the open position and the only thing preventing my oil from draining is a small black plastic cap that I put on the plastic nipple!!!!!!!

I removed the black cap to find oil draining out and down my arm. I have been a longtime fanboy of Fumoto and this won’t stop me from sharing with all of you who provide countless useful information. Here’s what I know and think I know.
1. I knew I didn’t install the locking device on the valve.
2. I thought I properly closed the valve during last use.

I’ve used these valves on ALL my vehicles for more than 10 years without incident. I also used the valve for years without the locking device installed. I can’t believe the valve was open and not draining out because I had the black plastic cap I use to prevent grime getting up into the valves nipple.

My guess is I didn’t adequately close the valve during the last oil change. Although the valve should never open if properly closed I think the protective clip is a safety measure to ensure the valve is actually closed. You can’t install the protective clip if the valve isn’t fully closed.

I hope this mistake I made helps someone from doing anything similar.

 

I don't put no extra BS on my truck. The stock drain plug works just fine. Thanks for the warning

 

Any thing that can open by it's self I have no use for either. Just never could figure out the benefit.

 

that's the one reason holding me off from installing a fumoto. well, that, and the fact you could rip it off on a rock.

 

I mean that's why you shouldn't put that dumb valve on

 

I’m a fan of the fumoto valve but just couldn’t get myself to buy one for this reason.

 

Best I can tell after having been a working mechanic since 1978 is these valves might be for folks that have trouble using threaded fasteners and the concept of righty tighty and lefty loosey. another deal killer for some is having little or no feel for when bolts are getting tight. Just an observation, carry on.

 

Fumoto valves and the old spring clamp or new black clips are still going to go on all my vehicles. I've never had an issue with one opening inadvertently as the spring retainer keeps the valve lever depressed. I've run one on a lowered Supra for years now, arguably a tougher environment than the shielded Tacoma application.

Everyone assumes some level of risk when performing maintenance on their vehicle. Just make sure barriers are in place to prevent things like this from happening.

 

I saw another thread mentioning this fumoto valve and then I googled it. Yeah, I didn't see a need to add something that is not flush with the drain pan. Will it fit with a skid plate on? If it protrudes, probably not.

Ed

****

 

They fit fine under skid plates. I've had one for 3 years.

 

I am not a fan. In my opinion, a valve like that is meant for something you need to open and close fairly often. I change my oil once, maybe twice a year, so the stock drain plug is perfect for me.

 

Forgetting to close the Fumoto valve all the way is no different than forgetting to tighten the drain plug all the way - it’s the OP’s fault (not trying to rub it in OP, just making a point to the people that are raggin’ on Fumotos that their product didn’t cause this issue). There’s no way a spring loaded valve is going to push itself up and past the lock and turn the valve to on by itself.

Fumotos have their uses, and it’s a good design and a well-made product IMO. don’t really have a need for one on my Taco. But I have one on my 3rd gen 4Runner because I have aftermarket skids and there’s just a 3” hole to drain the oil thru. It was always messy as hell, oil always got all over the inside of the skid plate while I’d be trying to get my hand (and wrench) out of the way as quick as possible after taking the plug out thru that little hole... then it would never drain cleanly straight thru. So it was either live with the mess, or take the whole 50+ lb. skid off, which was a pain in the ass just to drain the oil. So I put a Fumoto on there with a 1’ plastic tube attached that will hang down thru the skid hole, and it drains nice and clean right into my oil catch bucket. When it’s done, I lock the valve closed, tuck the plastic tube back up into the skid hole and done. I would never go back to a regular plug on that truck.

 

I agree. My fault, not Fumoto’s. Sharing my mistake so others won’t make the same one.

 

OP has respect from me for mentioning they weren't sure if they'd closed it all the way and didn't use the secondary safety/retention measure offered by Fumoto, but that seems to have been overlooked by several replies.

 

I'm a stickler for the old ways. Newfangled valves are too fancy for me

 

Stahlbus baybay. Lower profile and no external valve.

 

Past experience on one of my cars. Jiffy lube.. I was in a hurry and wanted an oil change before going on a trip so I stopped and had it done. When I got home to begin packing I noticed oil drops on my driveway. I figured maybe they were sloppy and crawled under to wipe up the oil from the pan…. Well it was sloppy but the hard plug was the problem.. the “professional” cross threaded it. Checked the oil level and took it back. They fixed it but I should have gotten a refund. Shows that even if you don’t do the work someone else can screw up.

 

But then I have to remember where I stored the hose.

 

I own a Fumoto.

I will not install it.

Reason? If you don't have skid plates, it does protrude! (EDIT: ON A GEN 3)


The worst part about changing oil on any of our last 5 vehicles is NOT the drain plug - it's the belly pans. Some have 8+ fasteners!

 

Had the valve on my truck for 12 years with no problems. Checking