I wanted to share some information with you guys. I do not have my MCS yet, but am waiting and waiting!!!! Well, i own a 2000 subaru Impreza and when i change my oil, i use a drain plug called a fumoto valve. Now i do not know if this has been posted yet, but this valve makes life so easy and is one of the best i have seen. I am in no way in part with fumoto, but i wanted to share the wealth of info and give my advice to everyone who does their own oil changes. I know when i get my MCS i will be buying a fumoto valve for it. If anyone is interetsed in one, you can go to fumotovalve's web site. There about 23 bucks. I do not know where the drain plug is located but i am sure its one of the best things to get for the mini!!!!

Garrett

 

I've looked at those for my truck but always worried that something might snag it and cause me to lose all my oil while running down the road. I take it that's never happened and you are completely satisfied? Why is it so much better than a regular drain plug? pb

 

The plug is an industrial spring lever valve. You have to push up and over to have it drain the oil. I have had the plug on my car (2000 Subaru Impreza) for over 30000 miles and have not had one single problem. If added assurance you can get a c clip that will go between the lever and will not allow it to turn unless you remove it. Its better then the normal drain plug, because all you have to do is turn the lever and have it drain the oil with out any mess or lossing the plug in the oil. Also you do not have to get a new crush washer for the drain plug. I noticed that the drain plug for the mini is on the side of the pan. This could not cause the plug to stick out under the pan facing the ground. I just wanted to give a heads up and let you all know what works for me and could work for you.

Garrett

 

Right on for the info. I could def. use one because of the major PITA getting leverage on a wrench under a lowered MINI is. James

 

For 23 bucks you cant go wrong, if you dont like it then you can always sell it to someone else. but i love mine and future oil changes are nothing to worry about. One less messy thing to clean up.

Garrett

 

this is a great product.......UNLESS you have the aux gauge package. The sending unit for the gauge is in a new drain plug.


Great post tho.....

 

was thinking about that what if you put a tee piece in the drain plug and used one of those drain valves and also your temp sender
would be very handy to change the oil
also does anybody know what thread size the drain plug is???????????

 

I got one from MossMini

 

Hi, has anyone ordered this from fumotovalve.com's website? I noticed there is an adapter for additional $6.00 for F-106 (that's our part#) but is it mandatory? Thanks.

 

Yes i have ordered from this site as i am aslo the one who started the thread. That adaptor is a nipple that allows you hook a hose up for areas that are in a tighter location. If you go on that site, there should be info on that extra adaptor.

Garrett

 

I ordered 2 Fumoto valves recently directly from the Fumoto website. Got one for my wifes Lexus IS300 and one for my MINI. MosMINI's price + tax was more than the $6 shipping that Fumoto was charging for both. I also received it in just a couple of days!

Richard

 

Did you ever give that a go? I'm thinking of doing the same.

 

The $6 adaptor mentioned actually extends the valve out further in case the valve protrusions bump into the oilpan when you are trying to tighten it down.

I just ordered the F-106N one with the nipple because I just got a Moss skidplate and the little hose would prevent making a big mess. It was cheaper at Summit racing than Fumoto's own site. I have 4 other cars with them and the valve actually lets you drain into antifreeze bottles, etc because you can stop it anytime to change bottles. Easier to leave disposable bottles at the auto parts store than carry the messy drain pan back home after draining.

 

I bought one for my Forester. While it is well made I couldn't get the picture of all the oil coming out of my engine while driving down the road out of my mind. What bothers me is that it's made from brass & to me looks like it'll break off with any impact to it. The MINI is much lower to the ground than my Forester. The thought of that is even scarier to me. Guess I don't mind twisting a bolt & getting some hot oil on my hands. Just my .02 here.

Chuck

 

14x1.5 (metric)

 

Is anyone using the Fumoto valve who also has the factory oil temp gauge? I had no idea the factory sender is integrated into the oil drain plug. I am going to change my oil this weekend and am sure I would have never guessed to look for a drain plug with wires coming from it. This seems like a stupid design to me.

I guess the only way to run a Fumoto would be to install a T fitting if there is room or drill and tap a new hole in the oil pan for the sender and install the Fumoto. I certainly will not be doing the later until it is out of warranty.

 

When you say factory oil temp gauge, do you mean the OEM gauge pods or the chrono pack or both? Either way, it's pretty poor for something that is OEM

 

The factory Chrono Pack gauge does not use the drain plug for its oil temp sender location. Don't know about the aux gauge pods.

Neil
05 MCS w/Chrono
96 M3

 

The $250 auxillary gauges (between the downtubes) use the temp sender in the drain plug.

 

And if anyone seeks one, well, I've got one in the Marketplace as I purchased it from MINI by mistake... A plug for a plug .

 

14X1.5 plug

 

Well I am happy to hear that. I have the factory chrono pack in the center of the dash not the two gauge pods. I still need to locate the oil drain plug though. First oil change will be this weekend.

 

I have always used the Fram Sure-Drain on my vehicles. They work great.

I installed a Sure-Drain on my Mini at the first oil change (5k miles) and it leaked. At 10k miles I bought a Fumoto valve and installed it. It also leaked. At 15k miles I re-installed the original drain plug and no more leaks. I believe the machined surface on my oil pan (where the drain hole is) isn't flat.
So, I have sold both the Fram Sure-Drain and the Fumoto valve.

 

Perhaps you could try using a copper crush washer instead of the fiber ones next time. The Sure-Drain is a nice piece; it is a lot lower profile than a Fumoto. But of course you must never lose the special hose it comes with else it's just a plug. Maybe that's why they are on clearance everywhere for $10?