Oil Drain Valve Device
 

Has anyone used the engine oil drain valve sold at the following site?

QuickOilDrainValve.com - the best way to change oil

A friend who has a couple classic Minis swears by this. One version has an adapter for a hose connection. I was wondering if this device might make it much easier to change oil? I have had my new Z for about two weeks and haven't been underneath yet. Would you still need to remove the cover under the engine to change the filter?

Thanks

It's a nice idea but it seems risky. Just lifting a lever and turning it 90deg opens the valve...you'd be sorry if this happened through regular vibration and jostling of the car. Getting under the car and using a wrench is simple enough. No need to reinvent the wheel for a semi-annual to quarterly event.

you would. the cover is the biggest pita of the whole job so I agree with the Spearfish25, just use a wrench on the plug and enjoy peace of mind that the jobs done right! The cover has around 20 screws.... after that its a quick job.

Not to mention you could get one of those pumps for cheap which will pull out all oil via the dipstick tube...

Are you guys able to slide underneath your cars, or do you use a lift?

I use those Rhino ramps, I have slightly gotten underneath the front bumper but not sure if I could do a full oil change without the ramps.

I never thought about using those, what did they cost you?

Blitz Rhino Ramp 12000 Extreme, is where I got mine and I paid the 59.99 price. AK I believe used the same ramps in his oil change thread and has a video of the car going up on the ramps.

AND I QUOTE:

(Endorsements)
The Engine Oil Drain Valve has been tested and granted "Genuine Parts" status by 5 major motor vehicle manufacturers in Japan, including Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Isuzu. These approvals were not granted easily and gaining them was a testimony to the quality and durability of Engine Oil Drain Valve.

In the United States, the Engine Oil Drain Valve is being installed at the factory level on some of the vehicles made by Ford and Freightliner.

wait until you go over a bump - scrape the thing to open it ... and PWN your car...

I have used the Fumoto valve on my last three vehicles and have never had a problem. I have it on my 370z and can change the oil by removing just three bolts on the underside shield. I have the model with the nipple and simply attach a hose and drain the oil into a pan. The oil filter is easy to remove. The Fumoto valve lever locks into place well above the surrounding area and can't see how you could ever unintentionally move it to the open position.

Oil Change
 

Neither; I just reach the oil filter and oil drain plug from the front of my 370Z without a lift or lifting the front of the car suing jack stands or ramps.

A inexpensive ramp alternative is to purchase or look for discarded 2 x 4, 2 x 6lumber & plywood and glue & screw the material into a ramps. If interested, I can email the size/material list to make home-made ramps.:tup:

I haven't changed my oil yet, but can you remove the filter by just removing three bolts on the underside cover?

Yes. You will need a towel to catch the oil from the filter.

Do you need an adapter for the valve to use it on 370Z?
Are you using the F-103 Valve w/Nipple?

Thanks to all for earlier replies.

You don't need an adapter with the 370Z. I would get the F-103 with the nipple if you don't want to take off the shield every time. I would get the F-103 without the nipple if you don't mind taking off the shield.

yeah this really is a bad idea for product if I have ever seen one. The intention is good but um, no.

Doing a quick bump on this as I just picked up my Z this past weekend. I have used this valve on my S2000 for 7-8 years now without issue. By replacing the airbox with a CAI, I now have unfettered access (on the S) from the top of the engine bay to drain the oil and swap the filter. I kick an oil bowl under the car, reach into the engine bay and flick the switch, swap the filter, and reload.

I pulled this thread up as I was wondering what part # to use on the Z, but it looks like the same one as on the S, the 103.

This has been around quite a while and I haven't heard a horror story about it yet. You would think if someone blew up their engine using this it would be all over the internet like a broken Rota.

ive used them for years. very good results. never a drop leaked, or failure. its really just a good ol ball valve with a lock. i think i paid 20 bucks for my last one, and will purchase another for the Z next oil change.

M12 x 1.25.

Actually this is a great idea. I've used ball valves on my boat for years without incident. The valve is above the shield, you will most likely lose a lot of your suspension before you could actually knock it off. However, it doesn't help if you are running a magnetic drain plug.

Yeah I'll stick with my magnetic drain plug.

You'd be better off using a filter magnet instead...

I use one of those as well. It's not like it has to be one or the other.

:iagree:

Very true, but you didn't say you had both...

I prefer the magnetic drain plug, and an oil evacuator.

I'm using the Fumoto drain valve and a filter magnet.

Those who are trashing the Fumoto might want to actually look at one in person - they just might change their minds about it being easy to accidentally open. It's not, and you also need to factor in that the Z has the bottom engine cover that provides additional protection.

Not trashing it, but given your setup I would still opt for the addition of an oil evacuator as you get more oil out. The Fumoto provides a narrower, and higher opening that allows a little bit more oil to remain in the pan.

I have used the Fumoto drain valve on my last four cars and they have worked flawlessly. Never have to worry about a drain plug that was put on too tight or not tight enough (or whether you need a new crush washer). When you drive your car onto ramps the drain plug is in perfect position for all the oil to drain out.

Interesting - my memory is that the Fumoto spout is a little lower than where the hole in the oil pan is, so it it should drain just as much oil as would be drained by just removing a normal oil pan plug. But I'll have to take a look next time I have the car on stands.

I'll be ordering this product soon. I'm checking on availability from the seller, so as soon as I get the confirmation then I'm going to order one.