I don't have my gen5 yet, but should get it soon. How is the clearance under the oil pan and the drain plug? Any thoughts or concerns about sufficient vertical space to install a fumoto valve without a big risk of it getting hit while driving?
Here's youtube video on changing the Gen5 Prius Prime oil and filter. You might be able to see the space around the oil drain plug and help make a determination with this.
The least expensive Fumoto oil drain valve is $33. That buys 165 grain plug gaskets on Amazon. You aren't afraid a bit of debris could knock the valve open?
The valve actually has two locks (a well designed brass over center lock, plus a secondary plastic clip), so it getting accidentally knocked open is very unlikely. But the valve does stick out a few mm more than the stock plug, so there is a non zero chance of the whole thing getting hit by some very big unexpected road debris. I kind of like the valves (I have one on my rav4P), as you can drain the oil waste directly into a big bottle, no need even for a catch basin (just a small cup to catch the oil filter drips). But if anyone has some good arguments for, or against, I am definitely open minded.
I am interested in a magnetic drain plug though. I believe our cars can benefit from that. I installed one on our VW Golf. Has anyone used it on the Prius 5?
I have used the Fumoto drain valve on several cars. Several years ago, I went with the Valvomax drain valve on new vehicles. It’s a better design in my opinion. One issue with these drain valves is that they protrude into the oil pan and thus there is always some oil at the bottom of the pan that won’t drain unless you remove the drain valve which defeats the purpose. Several years ago I purchased an oil extractor for my vehicles. I have used that twice now on my 2024 Prime. Since I’m at the access for the oil filter, I remove the OEM drain plug. Typically get about 3 -4 ounces of oil draining into my drain pan but no gusher like you get with a full pan drain. Cheers
MAgnetic drain plugs are totally unnecessary in modern cars. I find the fumoto unnecessary as well. It's so easy as is. YMMV
