Easiest oil change

[Wyattkb]

He is sucking oil out, heavy particles will inevitably fall to lowest point so he is probably not getting everything out.


When you drain it, you work with gravity. Starting at the point where all the bad stuff accumulates (lowest point = plug).

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by dem00n

It sticks out a lot, a branch at the wrong location and time could easily open that up or even break it off, metal debris?

You do realize Fumoto sells a clip to prevent precisely the scenario you're describing above, right?

But don't take my word for it.

Draw a straight line from the front radiator core support, across to the metal skid plate, and see what is in the line of fire. If something were to hit the oil drain plug, I'd be more worried about the rest of the car than the oil plug.

The only times I've been able to scrape the plate, was because I was not careful going over some absurdly large speed bumps.

-alex

[strat61caster]

You guys do know that doing it the old fashioned way is just as simple right?


... right?

[OICU812]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

You guys do know that doing it the old fashioned way is just as simple right?


... right?

Absolutely just tad messy no big deal though all ways work.

[suaveflooder]

Originally Posted by OICU812

Absolutely just tad messy no big deal though all ways work.

You sir, have inspired me to try out the quik valve. I have about 3k more miles until the next oil change but will install then! I can't wait!

[OICU812]

Originally Posted by suaveflooder

You sir, have inspired me to try out the quik valve. I have about 3k more miles until the next oil change but will install then! I can't wait!

Well they work. You thread them in (once) for the lifetime of the car. There are 2 versions. The short nipple version is one you want. As Mav mentioned for like a buck if you're worried get the clip that's an extra feature but without it the lever never can come loose or move as it's spring loaded.

Reason I went with the fumoto is simply cause I can quickly jack up front drain into an old milk jug without a drop of oil anywhere. All while not touching a single tool etc.

[supramkivtt2jz]

Originally Posted by M3_Dust

so it's the fault of the oil drain plug that you lowered your car and now you can't fit a jack under it? am I really going to have to deal with these types of posts on this forum? bud, get yourself some ramps or an ultra-low lift point floor jack, the right tools make any job easier.

you obviously missed my sarcasm. KTHXBAI

[jarviz]

As easy (relatively) as it is to change the oil in this car, does anybody else find it's more worth it to just take it to a local mechanic? I'm paying about 10 bucks for the labor.

Maybe it's my lack of a garage and NYC weather that makes it such a pain.

[supramkivtt2jz]

Originally Posted by jarviz

As easy (relatively) as it is to change the oil in this car, does anybody else find it's more worth it to just take it to a local mechanic? I'm paying about 10 bucks for the labor.

Maybe it's my lack of a garage and NYC weather that makes it such a pain.

I only trust myself to perform basic maintenance

[TM]

Originally Posted by dem00n

Our cars our low, i take many things into considerations. Water, random objects in highways, branches, etc.
It sticks out a lot, a branch at the wrong location and time could easily open that up or even break it off, metal debris?

I don't think it sticks out that much. Highly unlikely, that you'll drive over something that'll knock it out, but I won't discount the possibility of that happening. I've seen some unlikely things getting stuck at unlikely locations. So I respect your opinion and your choice to stick with the OEM drain plug. Either way, it's still easy.

Originally Posted by strat61caster

You guys do know that doing it the old fashioned way is just as simple right?


... right?

Agreed. Just less mess with the quick valve.

Originally Posted by jarviz

As easy (relatively) as it is to change the oil in this car, does anybody else find it's more worth it to just take it to a local mechanic? I'm paying about 10 bucks for the labor.

Maybe it's my lack of a garage and NYC weather that makes it such a pain.

The last time I brought my car in to the Subaru dealer for an oil change, it came back to me with a rash on the steering wheel. My guess is that it was too low and the service guy's jeans must've rubbed against it trying to get in or out. If I ever need to take my car to the dealer again, I will also put my steering wheel to the highest position from now on.

[bdbx18]

Yeah I used to do the topside dipstick method with my Bimmers which I'm told it is SOP. So when I had a longer commute and got a Civic Hybrid, I carried it over to that car which now has a roughly 5 inch piece of tubing left in the oil pan. Some cars have a kink or an edge or something that would make it a bit difficult to pull the entire tube straight out. Much gentle cajoling and massaging transitioned to full out anger after about an hour thereby a full power yank which left a piece lodged in there. Dipstick still works so it must have fallen into the pan.

I have the fumoto valve on my BRZL. Only problem I have is that once you've warmed up the engine (like we supposed to), like the regular bolt, the oil gets warm/hot and you have to get out of the way quick. The safety catch requires at least two fingers so gloves help. I never bothered with the tubing on mine as I removed the plastic nipple long ago and I can't find it now.

[tennisfreak]

Wow never saw one of the fumoto valves before.

After my free services from the dealer I will be installing one of these little fellas and doing oil changes lift free in my garage!!

Regardless of how good my service center is I still dont trust other people handling my car. There is always an inherent lack of concern for something the is not yours and unintentional things happen.

[torqdork]

Originally Posted by roddy

Lucky dog got a magnetic drain plug with his car...must be a 10 series thing.

Maybe, it glows blue when you're near it.

Must be thinking of my FJ, I changed both of them last week and guess it was only one with the magnetic plug.

Think I'll order one somewhere, maybe an FJ plug from the dealer if it works.

[reeves]

Originally Posted by wheelhaus

Fumotos are extremely reliable, they're just an easy target for paranoia. Another benefit is that they are installed once and can be left in place. I've seen far more problems with standard bolts being cross threaded, leaking, overtorqued, broken, forgotten, etc.

I've seen more people (and idiot dealership mechanics) having problems with the standard drain plug too (cross-thread, over-tighten, re-used/wrong washer, etc.) than they do with a Fumoto valve lol.