Which Oil Drain Plug To Buy

Smooth Operator · 08-14-2006, 12:04 PM

I have started doing my own oil changes.

I'm thinking of changing the drain plug. It seems to me that there are two options. I could get the magnetic kind or the quick change kind.

I like the idea of the convenience of the quick change drain plug. But if the magnetic plug really provides some benefit, I don't mind setting the convenience aside for the benefit.

So, do people think the magnetic oil drain plugs really provide a benefit?

grasshopper · 08-14-2006, 03:14 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Smooth Operator @ Aug 14 2006, 12:04 PM) [snapback]303009[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I have started doing my own oil changes.

I'm thinking of changing the drain plug. It seems to me that there are two options. I could get the magnetic kind or the quick change kind.

I like the idea of the convenience of the quick change drain plug. But if the magnetic plug really provides some benefit, I don't mind setting the convenience aside for the benefit.

So, do people think the magnetic oil drain plugs really provide a benefit?
[/b]

I have used magnetic drain plugs in the past, but IMO the stuff that will collect on the magnetic drain plug has a natural tendency to settle on the bottom. Otherwise why is there sludge in the bottom of an oil pan? I love the valve not just because it’s easy but for the lack of spillage. There is nothing like changing your oil and not getting any on your hands or anywhere else for that matter.

tumbleweed · 08-14-2006, 04:04 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(grasshopper @ Aug 14 2006, 12:14 PM) [snapback]303140[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

There is nothing like changing your oil and not getting any on your hands or anywhere else for that matter.

[/b]

How do you keep from getting oil on you when you change the filter?

Does the drain plug with the valve in it allow you to drain all of the oil that you would get out with the normal plug? I know some stays in the engine anyway but doesn't the Fumoto plug stick up in the pan a little bit? or does it matter?

jmccord · 08-14-2006, 04:46 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tumbleweed @ Aug 14 2006, 03:04 PM) [snapback]303162[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Does the drain plug with the valve in it allow you to drain all of the oil that you would get out with the normal plug? I know some stays in the engine anyway but doesn't the Fumoto plug stick up in the pan a little bit? or does it matter?
[/b]

From the Fumoto Valve web site:
"The threaded oil drain plug hole is always reinforced to accept the threaded bolt of the drain plug. In most cases, the Engine Oil Drain Valve will not extend past this threaded portion of the drain hole and will allow the oil to be properly drained. Your Engine Oil Drain Valve will let you drain your engine oil while it is hot without burning your hands and it is much more effective than trying to pump the oil out from above."

When I installed the Fumoto valve on my 2006 I did a visual inspection of both the threaded valve and pan. I had the vehicle up on a hydraulic lift and was able to fully inspect these parts. I am completely satisfied that the Fumoto valve will not hinder drainage from the oil pan. However, I also believe the car should be level for best results, as the Prius oil pan is designed to slope toward the plug drain. Having the car unevenly raised too much could potentially leave more residual than the Fumoto valve.
One of the key advantages with Fumoto valve is better draining when oil is warm since this lowers the viscosity significantly (more free flowing). Have fun.

By the way, did I say I love this car?

tumbleweed · 08-14-2006, 05:37 PM

OK I just ordered an F103, I'll give it a try.

BobZ · 08-14-2006, 06:08 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Smooth Operator @ Aug 14 2006, 12:04 PM) [snapback]303009[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I have started doing my own oil changes.

I'm thinking of changing the drain plug. It seems to me that there are two options. I could get the magnetic kind or the quick change kind.

I like the idea of the convenience of the quick change drain plug. But if the magnetic plug really provides some benefit, I don't mind setting the convenience aside for the benefit.

So, do people think the magnetic oil drain plugs really provide a benefit?
[/b]

Last time I checked aluminum was not magnetic so don't waste your money. The valve types have the potential to drip. What the car comes with is just fine. Change the gasket with the filter and you'll be fine

grasshopper · 08-14-2006, 07:55 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tumbleweed @ Aug 14 2006, 04:04 PM) [snapback]303162[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

How do you keep from getting oil on you when you change the filter?

Does the drain plug with the valve in it allow you to drain all of the oil that you would get out with the normal plug? I know some stays in the engine anyway but doesn't the Fumoto plug stick up in the pan a little bit? or does it matter?
[/b]

I use the cut off 2 liter plastic bottle process that I found on PriusChat.

Paul R. Haller · 08-15-2006, 02:46 PM

You know, I have the Fumoto valve on 2 cars of mine and while its very convenient, It takes forever to drain the oil through that small valve. I installed one on my Cummins engine that holds 11 quarts of oil. I took it out and threw it away. It would take over an hour to drain 11 quarts of oil using the Fumoto even when the oil is warm and just under 30 seconds with just the drain plug. On my Toyota Pickup with 5 quarts of oil it takes around 25 minutes to drain the oil. Way too long!!! Just stick with the drain plug.

-Paul R. Haller-

Ari · 08-31-2006, 08:47 PM

I have the Fram SureDrain on my Honda Odyssey, and it's been great over the last 3 years! Hasn't leaked a drop of oil, and has been easy to use when draining the oil during changes. I'm on my way to pick up the SD3 model for my Prius

c4 · 09-01-2006, 10:03 AM

Years ago, I saw an absolutely great set of oil filter wrenches- they looked like a set of plastic tumblers that all fit one inside another, but that was just the way they stored.. What you'd do is select the right size for your filter- inside the plastic cup at the bottom was a metal insert that was shaped to match the filter base so it could be used as a wrench. The cup would go up over the filter and then you'd turn the whole thing to remove the filter and the oil would be caught in the cup instead of dripping all over the place..

Unfortunately, at the time, I wasn't into doing my own oil changes, so I never picked up a set and the next time I looked for them, the store had stopped carrying them.. Has anyone else seen these?? I would love to pick up a set, but nobody has them anymore..

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08-14-2006, 12:04 PM	#1
Smooth Operator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Cowichan Bay, BC Canada Posts: 166 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have started doing my own oil changes. I'm thinking of changing the drain plug. It seems to me that there are two options. I could get the magnetic kind or the quick change kind. I like the idea of the convenience of the quick change drain plug. But if the magnetic plug really provides some benefit, I don't mind setting the convenience aside for the benefit. So, do people think the magnetic oil drain plugs really provide a benefit?

08-14-2006, 05:37 PM	#5
tumbleweed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,209 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: V Package: Adv. Technology Thanks: 75 Thanked 222 Times in 171 Posts Friends: 1	OK I just ordered an F103, I'll give it a try.

08-15-2006, 02:46 PM	#8
Paul R. Haller Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 229 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 2	You know, I have the Fumoto valve on 2 cars of mine and while its very convenient, It takes forever to drain the oil through that small valve. I installed one on my Cummins engine that holds 11 quarts of oil. I took it out and threw it away. It would take over an hour to drain 11 quarts of oil using the Fumoto even when the oil is warm and just under 30 seconds with just the drain plug. On my Toyota Pickup with 5 quarts of oil it takes around 25 minutes to drain the oil. Way too long!!! Just stick with the drain plug. -Paul R. Haller-

08-31-2006, 08:47 PM	#9
Ari Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 165 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: Base Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have the Fram SureDrain on my Honda Odyssey, and it's been great over the last 3 years! Hasn't leaked a drop of oil, and has been easy to use when draining the oil during changes. I'm on my way to pick up the SD3 model for my Prius

09-01-2006, 10:03 AM	#10
c4 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 524 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	Years ago, I saw an absolutely great set of oil filter wrenches- they looked like a set of plastic tumblers that all fit one inside another, but that was just the way they stored.. What you'd do is select the right size for your filter- inside the plastic cup at the bottom was a metal insert that was shaped to match the filter base so it could be used as a wrench. The cup would go up over the filter and then you'd turn the whole thing to remove the filter and the oil would be caught in the cup instead of dripping all over the place.. Unfortunately, at the time, I wasn't into doing my own oil changes, so I never picked up a set and the next time I looked for them, the store had stopped carrying them.. Has anyone else seen these?? I would love to pick up a set, but nobody has them anymore..