Installed RCI aluminum full skids back in March and am now coming up on my next oil change. Question, does anyone use a oil drain valve (e.g. Fumoto) and if so, what manufacturer do you use. Also, what are the pros and cons in using an oil drain valve.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

I use Fumoto. Works great.

I also use this for the oil filter drain. Works great.

Cons, not really any that I can think of. The Fumoto does hang down a bit but doesn't hang down past the RCI skid plate. No way it would ever be in danger of being hit.

The JDT oil filter drain hose tool, only thing that I did that was stupid not screwing it back after I was done so the next time when I tried to put it on oil drained out all over my hand so lesson learned there. It should be screwed all the way back in, put it on, then screw it out and the oil will gradually drain.

Just get a big oil bucket to drain everything into. This is what I have.

Without these tools changing oil is very messy. Not so much with the tools.

do you put a hose onto the Fumoto when draining the crankcase or just let it drain out into the container? Thanks for the links.

I believe there is a Fumoto with a nipple or hose attachment, but I just drain it directly into my catch bucket. No mess. Had mine for years now and never an issue.

I use one and I like it. Can't really think of any cons in my experience. Little slower than a normal drain but clean. Wind will easily push that little stream though.
Just keep your skid plates on so it doesn't get ripped off or anything.


Oil filter get the messiest for me.

I've got to imagine that with the threads of the valve sticking up into the oil pan, you probably won't be able to get as much of a full drain as removal of a drain plug. In the end, that probably means very little for your oil or engine life, but just saying. To me, the drain is super easy... but yeah, someone make an easier oil filter removal process please! Half the time I break that plastic piece to drain the filter, and oil inevitably runs down my arm a bit. I upgraded to the metal housing, so maybe that makes it slightly more difficult. Who the hell knows.

I've been trying to rack my brain about how to make this process easier, but realistically, its only 5 more mins of my time. Thought about relocating the filter to the engine bay and switching to a spin on oil filter, but the cost wouldnt be worth the time lost on the stock filter.

Has anyone ever used or know some who has, a Valvomax oil drain valve?

The only reason I've heard (that made sense) for not using a fumoto style valve is the idea that the threaded end might extend into the oil pan a little and not allow sludge to drain out. A few thoughts on this though:

1. I checked the thickness of the pan at the threads and I don't think the fumoto is extending into the pan significantly (if at all).
2. I cut two notches in the threaded end that goes into the pan just in case. You have to be careful threading it in, but should alleviate the possibility of issues (it's kind of an OCD thing to be concerned over too).
3. Alternately (I didn't try this) you could remove the fumoto valve after draining and see if more comes out with it removed.

The non-nipple fumoto works great, and I have the RCI skids which hang well below it. I don't use a hose, just remove the access door in the skid and drain into a catch pan. Warm engine oil helps, or just go have a beer while it drains.

I use a clear tube for the Fumoto valve and for the JDT oil filter Drain Hose tool. I believe the JDT came with the hose and I had to buy the hose separately for the Fumoto valve. This is what I got: Amazon.com: Watts SVIG10 Pre-Cut 1/2-Inch Diameter by 3/8-Inch Clear Vinyl Tubing, 10-Foot Length: Home Improvement

This is my concern. I haven't measured though. The drain on the Runner isn't bad but on my GTO, it shoots the oil sideways from the pan. Luckily my pan is wide enough that I don't have to follow the flow but still sucks.