Fumoto drain valve?

Jul 7, 2004
8,492
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
I saw an '07 post on this that is locked. Some members on my Subaru forum are installing them. I have concerns that it might snag and get broken off on car car built to handle offroad, but I can see how this might work on a sailboat. Anyone using one?

 
Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
Great idea but access to the engine drain plug on my sailboat is a challenge do not likely for it.
 
Apr 5, 2009
3,131
Catalina '88 C30 tr/bs Oak Harbor, WA
Access to the bottom of my oil pan would make a Fumoto useless. On my diesel, I have a banjo fitting on the oil pan drain plug that connects to a hose the brings the oil to the top of the engine.
 
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Likes: Ward H
Jan 1, 2006
7,588
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I've used an oil extractor in the past with very good results. No spillage if care is used. Very easy. Maybe the oil extractor doesn't get as much used oil out but it gets a lot of it. Towards the end you can hear the air sucking as you move the tube around to find more oil.
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,492
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
I've used an oil extractor in the past with very good results. No spillage if care is used. Very easy. Maybe the oil extractor doesn't get as much used oil out but it gets a lot of it. Towards the end you can hear the air sucking as you move the tube around to find more oil.
That's my annual ritual as well. Can't help but think though, that draining from the bottom would be better. If I do it, I might try to remember to sift through the old oil to see what else comes out of the pan.
 

RoyS

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Jun 3, 2012
1,742
Hunter 33 Steamboat Wharf, Hull, MA
The goofy designer of my Yanmar 2QM15 thought it best to not include a drain plug. Probably saved about half a dollar in engine production cost.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,144
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
that draining from the bottom would be better
I think you are right. Only question I had with the valve, is the size of the opening. Sure oil is supposed to flow out... And the example had nice clean oil flowing out. But what about the sludge that has found it's way to the bottom of the oil pan. I would think that it would just get stuck in that small orifice and then clog up the project. Perhaps even stop the closing of the valve.

The unscrewing of the drain plug is fraught with danger on my engine. The drop to the bilge bottom is 4 plus feet. If stumble fingers unscrews the plug then the hunt for a replacement would be a nightmare.

The annual suck is safer.