I posted this in a reply to another topic & then realized it would probably better stand on its own.


I'm just getting ready for my first oil change - is the Fumoto valve the lifesaver that everyone (or a lot) seems to indicate? Seems every 10,000 miles or so wouldn't be a major inconvenience, but then again I've never dealt with 10 quarts at a time either...


I'm concerned because the truck is going to see a lot of off-road miles in the US & Mex - 6 hours of washboard dirt roads will vibrate anything loose that can come loose.


The Fumoto website indicates you should use a spring-type hose clamp to secure the valve for off-road use, but this doesn't seem as secure as an actual oil plug.

Lifesaver ??


Nah but it makes for a cleanish drain ....Makes it easier to drain when engine is hot also ...If you ever pull the drain plug HOT and have 10 quarts of hot oil coming gushing out you'll know what I mean ...


I don't believe vibration is an issue it's more of somthing hitting snagging causing the valve to have an untimely opening when going off road ...


I like the ease of use ...


Mac

I've had my fumoto valve on the truck for over 70,000 miles and 2 years. It is "bulletproof" the valve lever is spring loaded and sits down into a locking notch that has to be 3/8" deep. It's up above the skid plate and crossmember and impervious to road debris or being struck. It has a hose nipple that allows a short piece of 3/8" tubing to completely control draining (to prevent skid plate fillup) and to simplify sample capture for oil analysis. I didn't have my OEM plug in long enough to find out, but on my previous vehicle (99 6.5TD Tahoe) I went through half a dozen copper sealing washers and two replacement drain plugs in 2 years - always a problem with poor sealing and weepage. But you probably don't want one - stay with the factoy bolt.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

Had mine since truck was new. No problems at all. Just yesterday I was getting my oil changed and Lisa, the manager of the store who was in the pit, hollered up to me "Man, I wish everyone had one of these!".


Steve Edited by: YZF1R

I put the fumoto on to keep the oil from draining into the factory skid plate and making a big mess. Maybe they changed the skid plate or drain valve to solve the problem on the 04s but I would doubt it. It works well for me, and I have no fear of it failing. It's up high and above the cross member and skid plate so it would take quite a nasty bush or something to open it accidentally. --SS

I also put one on my 03. It really is convenient. I have one concern though, and I wonder if anyone else noticed.


When you remove the factory plug ALL of the oil drains out of the pan and any particles that have settled to the bottom of the pan presumably drain out with it.


With the fumoto, the threaded part is longer than the thickness of the pan so when installed it sticks up ever so slightly into the pan. So not ALL of the oil drains out.


I know this because, 1)you can look at the length of the fumoto threaded part and compare it with the threads in the pan......and 2) when I took out my original plug, after a few minutes the oil was still dripping out. A very very small thin drip, but still going. I figured, let me put in the new fumoto now and open the valve and let it keep dripping for a couple of more minutes. But no more draining, that was it.

Shor -


The only thing I can think of is that if you change the oil when it is hot, the bulk of the sedement should be suspended in the oil. If there is any heavy particulate matter, that may be lying in the bottom of the pan. I would hope that partcles that heavy would be washed out of the engine by the 2nd/3rd oil change prior to installing the fumoto. But interesting thought!


Wonder what would happen if you cut out a small section on the threaded area on the Fumoto - not quite to the valve housing itself so ALL the oil could drain out through that slot?


Or maybe cut/grind the threads down to the point that they are no thicker than the material thickness of threaded female hole on the oil pan?


hmmmmmm............. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

I think you guys are going a little "over the top" on that little bit of residual oil. There's at least three times that volume trapped in the heads and galleries that doesn't get changed. Draining hot will carry more impurities suspended. The pan is the pickup for the oil pump that goes straight to the filter before going any further. C'mon!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

Just did my first oil change today at 1055 miles.


Off-road concerns be dammed! I'm ordering one.

I've had one for amost 2 years. I love it and bought the clip from greg so it can't be opened unless i remove the clip first. makes changing/sampling much easier!

I have already drilled a 3/8" in hole in the threads facing into the pan area so that it can drain all of the oil out by letting the valve open for a few minutes. I still like getting as much of the old oil out of there as I can.

I like to drive my fronts up onto a couple of wheel ramps. It gives me a better drain angle on the oil pan AND more "belly room" for crawling around under there doing the O&F!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I love it, but this winter I was dumb enough to change the oil when it was cold out & the engine was cold. It took a loooonnng time to drain.... lol

Has anyone tried one of these?



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=505><T><T>
<T>
<TR>
<TD><A name=suredrain></A>FRAM® SureDRAIN™ Fast Access Oil Change System</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=top>
<TD>


The easier way to change your oil. Now you can drain your oil with no tools, no mess and no hot oil on your hands with the revolutionary new SureDRAIN Fast Access Oil Change System brought to you by the trusted name in filters….FRAM.


Now you can have instant access to your oil with just a turn of the wrist!
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><T><T>
<T>
<TR>
<TD align=middle>http://www.fram.com/products/acces/acceimg/hoseacttr.jpg</TD>
<TD>


Proprietary SureDRAIN Valve - this unique, heavy duty Actuator Valve is precision engineered to permanently replace your existing oil drain plug and allow instant oil access and draining.


Twist on Drain Hose - Designed for fast, easy, twist on operation, the heavy duty FRAM drain hose starts the flow of oil directly into your receptacle with the turn of your wrist.</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD align=middle>http://www.fram.com/products/acces/acceimg/dustcvr.jpg</TD>
<TD>Added Protection Dust Cover - To keep the SureDRAIN valve free from road dirt and safe from undercarriage debris, the ultra-rugged SureDRAIN dust cover locks firmly into place until the next oil change. Like all SureDRAIN parts, this dust cover has been tested against leaks, corrosion, vibration and road damage.</TD></TR></T></T></T></TABLE></TD></TR></T></T></T></TABLE>


They are about $12-$13 at Wal-Mart. Was thinking about getting this instead of the Fumoto. I know that their filters suck, but what about these?Edited by: Darin Billing

Not convinced on the Fram one; threads still go pretty far into the pan from the looks of the picture; you still must have "their" adapter to activate the flow and then have to replace the "protective cap" until the next change; with the Fumoto, I can use any piece of hose, slip it over the end and drain!

Just did my first oil change today at 1055 miles.


Off-road concerns be dammed! I'm ordering one.





http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif Sounds like your first change went about like mine did. I dreaded the second one to install the Fumoto. I had bought one of the magnetic plugs and when the second change was due, it stuck to the side and gave a much better shower pattern of hot oil. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ouch.gif

I like to drive my fronts up onto a couple of wheel ramps. It gives me a better drain angle on the oil pan AND more "belly room" for crawling around under there doing the O&amp;F!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


AMEN BROTHER! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


Hey, did the same mad gorilla put on your oil filter too? I had nothing but a twishted, mangled hunk of metal and media when I was done.

...I love it and bought the clip from greg so it can't be opened unless i remove the clip first. makes changing/sampling much easier!


Who's Greg and what is the clip?


I'm interested.


The Fumoto site just referred to using a regular spring clip like you'd pick up at Home Depot.

AMEN BROTHER! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


Hey, did the same mad gorilla put on your oil filter too? I had nothing but a twishted, mangled hunk of metal and media when I was done.





I got the original filter off in one peice - but it wasn't easy. Used the cap wrench from AutoZone. The oil drain plug itself was a different story - used a breaker bar! Almost posted a pic of my knuckles afterward - the lower part of the block doesn't make a good WaveMaster bag...

Who's Greg and what is the clip?


I'm interested.


The Fumoto site just referred to using a regular spring clip like you'd pick up at Home Depot.





www.lubespecialist.com (http://www.lubespecialist.com) Greg is one of the sponsors for the site. Click on the banner for Amsoil and you will be taken to his site. You can get the Fumoto and the clip from him.


edited to correct the link.Edited by: Darin Billing

The oil drain plug itself was a different story - used a breaker bar! Almost posted a pic of my knuckles afterward - the lower part of the block doesn't make a good WaveMaster bag...


2 foot cheater pipe on a 1/2 long handle ratchet. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif

Well, I wrestled with the OEM filters, too. Seemed like the gasket would *VULCANIZE* to the face of the mounting and you had to twist the gasket out of the can to get the bugger off! But now I not only have the fumoto valve, but my Amsoil dual remote holds both oil cartridges vertical and inside the frame under the driver's door and they come off and go on smooth and easy with just a little bit o' strap wrench assistance. Of course the extra belly room is always welcome!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

The F106N s the valve you want and you can go here (http://lubespecialist.com/Order/order.mv) to order it.





What I do when chaging filters is use and awl and punch a hole in the bottom of the filter. The oil will drain out and you will have zero mess. Once it has drained for a couple of minutes you can then loosen the filter a bit so air can enter the filter. It will now drain much faster.





Greg

inte....I'm LOL. I though I was the only one nursing a swollen knuckle. That *&^ drain plug.

inte....I'm LOL. I though I was the only one nursing a swollen knuckle. That *&amp;^ drain plug.


They should include a pair of those gloves that have pads all along the back with every truck purchase. http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif "Do you change your own oil? Please take a pair of these complimentary gloves for your first change." http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I have the Fram Sure Drain on the wifes 97 Explorer. It is better than nothing but I don't like the idea of the hose spinning as you put it in. Need to have the hose fitting twist and not the hose itself. But, like I said, it's better than the factory setup.

Greg's system works! Do you want one that Works?





Idahofox

Its only 20 bucks, i think, so youll save that much by changing the oil yourself once, Its not a big deal but you might as well since its relatively inexpensive.

As to Fomoto valve somehow opening off road, I use my CC off road a lot, drag limbs, brush, grass, and gobs of mud underneath, and have never had a problem, other than the valve was packed with mud. The handle has been bent by a tree stump and it still didn't leak. My only complaint would be it is slow even when oil is hot, but it sure beats the bolt. Came in real handy when I drove back from Mexico dumping fuel in the pan with 2 broken injectors and changed the oil every 150 to 200 miles. Good product - great seller in Greg who backs his products to the hilt.

Where can you pick one of these up?


bw

BWdiesel


You can order one here (http://lubespecialist.com/Order/order.mv) .





Greg

There are several vendors that have them.


www.lubespecialist.com (http://www.lubespecialist.com)


www.kennedydiesel.com (http://www.kennedydiesel.com)


www.gmdieseltech.com (http://www.gmdieseltech.com)


just to name a few

The Fumoto is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Love it and got them on both of my vehicles. As for the Factory filter put on by King Kong. All I used was VERBAL LUBRICATION.......http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif and some umpf from this frail 160lb frame......http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

All I used was VERBAL LUBRICATION.......http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


D I B,


LOL.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif Outstanding! Did you get that in a can, a bottle, a jug, or a 55-gallon drum? Different levels? I figured they'd come out with a way to bottle what I been usin' for years.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif


Dennis

Will the F106 N Fumoto drain valve fit the new LLY motor also??


JLew

Yes the F106N will fit ALL Duramax's.





Greg