Fumoto oil valve

[Keith M.]

Thinking of getting one for my 69 L46. they have 3 variants...see link. Anyone have any experience or recommendations on these. I like the long nipple version but am wondering if it will clear the bellhousing including ability to get a hose on it...not that I think I would need to. Good idea? If so, which one?
Thanks,
Keith

https://www.fumotousa.com/cars-pickups-chevrolet-1969-corvette-5-7l-v8

[Joe L.]

Re: Fumoto oil valve

Thinking of getting one for my 69 L46. they have 3 variants...see link. Anyone have any experience or recommendations on these. I like the long nipple version but am wondering if it will clear the bellhousing including ability to get a hose on it...not that I think I would need to. Good idea? If so, which one?
Thanks,
Keith



https://www.fumotousa.com/cars-picku...rvette-5-7l-v8

Keith-------


I would not use one of these valves or recommend anyone use one. First of all, it's really pretty easy to remove and replace the drain plug. Second, and most important, this drain valve represents something that, at least to some degree, "hangs down". That means it could strike some road debris or otherwise. That could result in a catastrophic event. Not worth it.

[Keith M.]

Re: Fumoto oil valve

Hi Joe,
While it is indeed easy to unscrew the drain plug these widgets avoid having to...and the risk of cross threading back on. (I will be the first to say if ya can't get it back on without cross threading prolly should not be working on your own car...but...we are all human.) And I by my eyeball tape measure it would not hang down at all. even with the long nipple one...if it extends below the bell housing by a half inch...I believe the steering gear would have to be wiped out first as it hangs lower...so myself am not worried about that. See pic at "elevation" of the bolt.

Would love to hear from anyone who has one....or even any other opinions. Necessary? absolutely not. Just a nice luxury...once I figure out if there is clearance I will decide whether or not to get one. They are great for my Subarus as the drain plug sits up there...just pop a hose on...direct it into the catch pan...easy peasy and clean.

Thanks
Keith

[Terry M.]

Re: Fumoto oil valve

Keith, You asked for other opinions, so here goes. First, I realize that changing oil can be a bit messy. That said, I have learned over the past 50+ years that you just need to use a little care and common sense to avoid a splashy mess of oil when the drain plug is removed. Once the plug has been loosened with a wrench, it should be easy to remove the remainder of the way by hand. I simply have my drain pan ready and in position then back out the plug until it clears the last thread while still holding it into the hole. Then position yourself so you can quickly remove the plug and have the oil stream gush into the drain pan. Maybe I've oversimplified the process but it works for me. Sure, you'll still have a bit of oil to wipe up and you might have to move the drain pan around a bit to avoid splash and/or account for the slowing flow of oil but it shouldn't be much of a clean-up effort. Next, how often are you changing the oil...once or twice a year? Not like this is something that happens monthly. Finally, the addition of the valve, in my opinion, is just one more thing that can go wrong. A drain plug is pretty foolproof, plus, it keeps the car more original. Cross threading of the plug should not be an issue as it should easily be threaded into the hole by hand and tightened only with a wrench

Terry

[Leo G.]

Re: Fumoto oil valve

Keith,
FWIW I have to agree with Joe and Terry. A bolt (drain plug) is fool proof. A valve has several failure mechanisms available although chance of failure is minimal. I would not install one on my engine. You asked for opinions, this is mine.

Drive em safe
Leo

[Keith M.]

Re: Fumoto oil valve

Keith, You asked for other opinions, so here goes. First, I realize that changing oil can be a bit messy. That said, I have learned over the past 50+ years that you just need to use a little care and common sense to avoid a splashy mess of oil when the drain plug is removed. Once the plug has been loosened with a wrench, it should be easy to remove the remainder of the way by hand. I simply have my drain pan ready and in position then back out the plug until it clears the last thread while still holding it into the hole. Then position yourself so you can quickly remove the plug and have the oil stream gush into the drain pan. Maybe I've oversimplified the process but it works for me. Sure, you'll still have a bit of oil to wipe up and you might have to move the drain pan around a bit to avoid splash and/or account for the slowing flow of oil but it shouldn't be much of a clean-up effort. Next, how often are you changing the oil...once or twice a year? Not like this is something that happens monthly. Finally, the addition of the valve, in my opinion, is just one more thing that can go wrong. A drain plug is pretty foolproof, plus, it keeps the car more original. Cross threading of the plug should not be an issue as it should easily be threaded into the hole by hand and tightened only with a wrench

Terry

Terry,
Thank you for your input. I get where you are coming from. With these cars the plug is right there and I am experienced enough with changes to manage the initial gush and after. I DO like them for my more modern cars...but now leaning against for my 69 vette. I am just a gadget junky so that's where I am coming from.

[Keith M.]

Re: Fumoto oil valve

Keith,
FWIW I have to agree with Joe and Terry. A bolt (drain plug) is fool proof. A valve has several failure mechanisms available although chance of failure is minimal. I would not install one on my engine. You asked for opinions, this is mine.

Drive em safe
Leo

Thanks Leo.

[Terry M.]

Re: Fumoto oil valve

I used them on my Caprice daily drivers for years. I thought not threading and unthreading the drain plug would be an advantage. As former police cars ground clearnce was not an issue, even on the one I lowered. After two of those cars reached 300K miles the valves went to the junk yard with the rusty cars. On the replacementt Caprice i use a product from Fram (the only useful product from that company) that has a brass cap and an internal valve that is pressed open by a wire on the hose It is simpler than it sounds. The product replaces the drain plug, and is much more compact than the Fumoto valve.. See below.

https://poshmark.com/listing/FRAM-SD1-Sure-Drain-SureDrain-No-Tool-Oil-Drain-change-Thread-Size-12-x-20-6450f03af644e5a0efffd860?gclid=c5339ab561541dd775b9fe120bec4362&gclsrc=3p.ds&utm_source=bdm&campaign_id=373721989&utm_campaign=373721989&ad_partner=bing&msclkid=c5339ab561541dd775b9fe120bec4362

My Corvettes retain their original drain plugs. I just can't bring myself to violate their originality -- Even the C6 Z06 with 98K miles has both its original oil drain plugs, I am careful with those items on the Corvette(s) -- even at the risk of burning my hand(s) on the hot oil.

[Mark E.]

Re: Fumoto oil valve

It looks like a solution to a non-problem which may cause other real problems.

[Perry M.]

Re: Fumoto oil valve

I must say, I have one and I love it. Makes oil changes so much easier with zero mess. And I am talking about my riding lawnmower. I Would never install it on one of my cars. It’s just not necessary.