Oil pan plug

**BroncoHauler** · 02-24-2009, 08:07 PM

Just a heads-up that I added a pic of my oil pan plug to the Amsoil thread. Nothing significant.

Herb

sdwindansea · 02-24-2009, 09:09 PM

Mine looked about the same on Saturday after about 12,000 miles (total of 17,000 miles). Probably even a bit less metal than the picture Bronco Hauler showed.

Ford_6L_E350 · 03-11-2009, 05:02 PM

Herb,

You still have a drain plug - no Fumoto valve?

I was hesitant to install the Fumoto valve, it does hang down a little. But, since it is so much higher than the front axle, I finally installed it. Love it when changing oil. Or maybe even just pulling a sample for analysis.

Simply push the lever and twist to let oil flow. Twist back at any time to stop the flow.

http://www.fumotousa.com/

Mike

**BroncoHauler** · 03-11-2009, 05:46 PM

I've seen those valves and considered them, but have always had concerns about them hanging below the bottom of the oil pan.

herb

jage · 03-11-2009, 06:13 PM

That scares me. The 1 in 1000 rock hits that lever and you're 007 laying down an oil slick...

[edit] Or some nice thick mud that's up to your doors...

Ford_6L_E350 · 03-12-2009, 08:09 PM

I understand the concern. But, the pan and valve are so far up that I don't think the axle could ever clear that rock. And if it did, the damn rock would probably puncture the pan or take out the driveshaft or something else. I'll just wimp out and go around that rock.

All that aside, I like the valve and the ability to stop oil flow. It is now possible to drain oil into 1 gallon containers (milk jugs anyone?) and not spill a drop. I could never transfer oil from the big drain pan into the 1 gallon containers without spilling some (and irritating the wife).

Mike

sdwindansea · 03-13-2009, 08:18 AM

I haven't bothered with a Fumoto valve since I'm either just swapping the filters (not touching the drain plugs) or doing a complete oil change. With a complete change, I just put a 5 gallon home depot bucket under the pan and it works perfectly. It is tall & wide enough where no oil spills. The filters are a complete different story since the one sits directly above the "brace". Oh yea, the oil pan weeping (see other thread) is also starting to leave some nice art work on the driveway.

Ford_6L_E350 · 03-13-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdwindansea

The filters are a complete different story since the one sits directly above the "brace". Oh yea, the oil pan weeping (see other thread) is also starting to leave some nice art work on the driveway.

With filters that can make a mess, I try to first punch a hole with a screwdriver to cause the oil to drain/drip where it won't make that mess. After the filter is empty, then remove it cleanly.

Not having looked at an Amsoil system, I can't tell you this will work, but it has worked on several vehicles for me.

Mike

sdwindansea · 03-13-2009, 11:13 AM

Mike, I do the same thing. It works great on the Bypass filter. However the full flow filter is located directly above a "cross bar" so some of it inevitably drains onto the cross bar as well and then travels to a spot that always seems to be where I least expect it.

scatter · 03-13-2009, 10:24 PM

Yeah, the full flow does tend to make a mess. I too punch a hole in the filters and let 'em drain. If you've got the time to let 'em drain over night. The mess won't be there. I've also put a quick wrap of duct tape around the filter where the hole is and then removed the filter before the oil has a chance to loosen the tape. Still best to wait as long as you can because when you remove the filter there's still oil dripping out of the Amsoil block. That's where waiting overnite helps.