Fumoto Valve Security Mod

**lou1355** · 03-09-2009, 02:43 PM

For those who like the Fumoto oil drain valve, but would like a little more peace of mind when it comes to inadvertent opening of the valve underway, I think this is a reasonable mod given the next to nothing price and ease of repeated use:

I found those on the hose clamp rack at Advanced Auto for $2.99 the pack of four.

Oh, don't worry, your eyes aren't going bad...I just didn't get a good closeup focus and was too lazy to re-do the shots.

**stevesrt8** · 03-09-2009, 02:57 PM

While you are obviously new to fumotoing, we have been using these for over 20 years. I have put them on everything from expensive industrial equipment to dirt bikes.

Never had one come open inadvertently. It just won't happen.

The damn things never break either.

The only downside is they reduce the sloughing effect of really fast draining oil pans and can actually leave a little oil behind. Other than that, they're cool like sliced bread!

**lou1355** · 03-09-2009, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by stevesrt8

While you are obviously new to fumotoing, we have been using these for over 20 years. I have put them on everything from expensive industrial equipment to dirt bikes.

Never had one come open inadvertently. It just won't happen.

The damn things never break either.

The only downside is they reduce the sloughing effect of really fast draining oil pans and can actually leave a little oil behind. Other than that, they're cool like sliced bread!

Thanks. It's useful to hear the voice of long experience. I suspected as much, but for the superstitious, a little extra insurance probably wouldn't hurt anything, huh?

**carchitect** · 03-09-2009, 06:39 PM

a piece of baling wire or copper (which ever you have handy) would probably work if wrapped correctly

I gotta agree on it coming undone, it has to be deliberately opened, otherwise unlikely that it will open.

**lou1355** · 03-09-2009, 08:31 PM

Well, the reason I liked that hose clamp is because it had the finger tab on it and you can loosen it with just two fingers. Then you open the fumoto and out comes the bad stuff. No wrenches, no threads to wear or strip. I agree it is probably an unnecessary addition, but if you are going to do something, that little piece seems like a convenient way to do it.

**Adanac Charger** · 03-09-2009, 09:25 PM

I have them on both my vehicles and it took a couple of years before I stopped worrying about them. Now, I don't give them a second thought between oil changes.

But... Lou's clamp idea looks great if you're looking for a little extra security.

**LUVMYRT** · 03-10-2009, 12:19 AM

I love my Fumoto. Never had a problem with it. Installed it at my first oil change and has performed superbly.

**65535** · 03-10-2009, 12:52 AM

if only the plastic belly pan wasn't such a pain in the butt to remove

**Adanac Charger** · 03-10-2009, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by 65535

if only the plastic belly pan wasn't such a pain in the butt to remove

My '06 takes 2 minutes... 4 screws and it's off. Did they change them for '08?

**lou1355** · 03-10-2009, 11:11 AM

By the way, this is why I was thinking about this:

Warning:
For users under extreme conditions:
If you are using the Engine Oil Drain Valve on off-road vehicles such as farm tractors and logging equipment under extreme environment (i.e. corn fields, brush areas), it is recommended that a hose clip as shown below be used for extra safety and security. The hose clip, which can be purchased at any hardware stores, will firmly keep the lever in the locked position at all times.

Drain Valve SizeHose Clip SizeT, FG Series11/16" ClipF Series5/8" Clip
This is from: http://lubricationspecialist.com/fro...spx?fileid=105

I just figured the "no tool required" route would be an improvement.