Oil Pan Valve

[murphypeople]

Is anyone using an oil pan valve on their MM? I have not had any problems with my Taurus or E350.
I have not a personal stake in this item or company.
http://www.fumotovalve.com/

also what is the best way to change the oil filter from the top or from the bottom? It look like it would be a chore to work from underneath the car. Then again its a long reach in from the top. The easiest filter to change has to be my E350...just crawl under no lifting, ramping or anything.

T:beatnik:

[sailsmen]

Someone reported a problem. I don't think the benefit is worth it.

Change the filter from the bottom w/ an 820 filter wrench. There is an oil splash guard for cars w/o an op sender. IT clips on the ps lines and is a Ford Part.

[warren]

Murphy,
I thought of using that type of valve - however it worried me that it
stuck down too much and I did not want it hitting something.

Follow what Sailsman said for changing oil and get a splash guard.
It is a current item on all CV's and GM's. There is a thread that talks
about it and the part no. just do a search on our website. It was a
snap to put on my 03MM.

Warren

[RF Overlord]

I think those valves are a product in search of a need. Honestly, removing the drain plug is the easiest part of the oil change. It's certainly a lot easier than removing and replacing the filter... :rolleyes:

[David Morton]

Most of this type stuff is sold to the guys looking for an easy way around things like getting out a wrench or spraying on some degreaser and taking a hose to the inside of the engine compartment. Splash guards sound good but if you're not cleaning it off after the change, the residual oil will blow up on your hoses or gather dirt.

The best engine compartment is a clean engine compartment. Pop the hood once in a while and spray her down with Simple Green or some such degreaser and hose her off real good. Your hoses and seals will thank you with longer service life.

[BigCars4Ever]

Love mine, No issues

[murphypeople]

Someone reported a problem. I don't think the benefit is worth it.

Change the filter from the bottom w/ an 820 filter wrench. There is an oil splash guard for cars w/o an op sender. IT clips on the ps lines and is a Ford Part.

Never heard of a wrench, specific, for the 820 oil filter. I will do a search on the oil splach guard; never heard of such a thing. My Taurus could really use such a thing. Don't know about the OP sender!?!
Thanks for the words...always learning here.:beer:

T:burnout:

[Svashtar]

I have the std. Fumoto valve and it is well made and makes oil changes super easy. Before that I had a drain plug with magnet and would pull it off and stick it to the underside of the pan.

This is a relatively inexpensive and useful addition. Please don't tell me you've never drenched your hand with hot oil or dropped the damned plug down into the drain pan. And if by chance someone does change your oil for you, you won't have to worry about some dimbulb cross threading the plug (happened to me on my sons Taurus and had to get an oversized plug to fix the damage.)

The first time I used it it was super stiff, but a few off and on turns and it's very slick and can't be accidentally opened.

This is the one for our cars I believe: http://www.fumotovalve.com/merchant.cfm?pid=104&step=4

I recall that there were two models, but I got the standard one that gives more clearance (the other one had a long nipple I couldn't see the use for.) I threaded it on and was a bit worried as I didn't want it sideways or crooked, but the threading surface was just enough that I was able to get it straight up and down perfectly, using an open end wrench and some torque for the last 1/4 turn or so. It sticks out just 1/2" more than the OEM plug.

I use the K&N filter usually, which takes a 1" socket or stubby box end on the end of the filter to loosen. I do that and let it drain, then unscrew it from the left fender side, and lay it to the left on the cross member. Then go to the under front and pull it down and out.

The plastic oil deflector keeps most of the oil off the main cross member underneath, and I always wipe that and everything else off with a rag when I'm done.

Norm