Has anyone replaced the drain plug with a Fumoto valve? I run the valves on all of my vehicles, but am a little concerned given the relatively low ground clearance.

 

we have a few customers with them, but on the N14 N18 engines we don't like them as like you said ground clearance and it will hang straight down ready to be ripped off.

 

I put one on my miata for about 30 seconds. It snapped in half as I was tightening because of the thin walls in the threads. I'm not a barbarian, I am gentle about working on cars. Oh well.

Regular drain plugs aren't the devil if you're competent and replace crush washers every time.

 

Yeah, this is what I was thinking. I have used them on every vehicle I've had since they were introduced and absolutely love them.

Anyway, I ordered one to see just how low it sits off the pan and what it looks like in relation to everything else around it.

 

Wow! I have never had that happen! Perhaps you got one with a manufacturing defect.

The Fumoto valves are just a heck of a lot more convenient and there is absolutely no mess at all to contend with. Perhaps I am just not competent enough.

 

I must say since acquiring a MINI, I've learned so many new and interesting things. I never even knew these valves existed. I'm definitely installing one. I dont drive off road so I shouldn't have to worry about ground clearance too much.

 

I have them on all the cars I can run them on. If the plug points down and there's no protection I leave the stock one on

 

They are incredibly convenient! I would make sure you install the one with no nipple for greatest clearance.

I hear you and am really torn on this one. The drop is 7/8". I am going to get under the car to see what that looks like.

 

I have them on every vehicle I have, and have had for the last 15 years. It is even better with the three different styles now days. I have one ready for the next oil change to try.

In the past I tried the one that you left the fitting in the pan and add the fitting and hose when changing oil. But it's a mess and pain to store the fitting and hose for the next change. As for the original with crush washer, still a pain compared to using the Fomoto valve. And always storing washers somewhere. The Fomoto is a less pain in the a$$ in the long run.

 

I run one on my Toyota and LOVE IT.

I wont put one on the CMS due to the proximity to the ground and the fact my wife drives the car.